How Preschool Builds Early Literacy Skills at Home and School
Early literacy development is one of the most important foundations children build during the preschool years (ages 3–5). At this stage, literacy is not about reading perfectly or writing long sentences—it’s about developing a love for language, books, sounds, and communication.
At Golden City CDC, Inc., our preschool program supports early literacy through play-based learning, daily interactions, and strong partnerships with families, both in the classroom and at home.
What Is Early Literacy?
Early literacy includes the skills children develop before they can read and write independently. These skills grow naturally through everyday experiences, play, and meaningful interactions.
Key early literacy skills include:
Listening and understanding language
Recognizing sounds and rhymes
Building vocabulary
Identifying letters and their sounds
Enjoying books and storytelling
Beginning writing through drawing and scribbling
How Preschool Supports Literacy at Golden City CDC
Preschool classrooms at our Child Care Center are intentionally designed to support language and literacy throughout the day, not just during designated reading times.
1. Daily Storytime and Read-Alouds
Teachers read books aloud using expressive voices, asking questions, and encouraging discussion.
This helps children:
Build vocabulary
Strengthen listening skills
Understand story structure
Develop a positive relationship with books
2. Language-Rich Conversations
Teachers engage children in meaningful conversations during play, meals, and daily routines.
These interactions help children:
Learn new words
Practice speaking in complete sentences
Express thoughts, ideas, and emotions clearly
3. Phonics and Sound Awareness
Preschool activities include playful experiences such as:
Rhyming games
Identifying beginning sounds
Sound-matching activities
These experiences build phonological awareness, an important foundation for reading.
4. Letter and Print Exposure
Children are surrounded by print throughout the classroom, including:
Labels and signs
Name cards
Alphabet charts
Age-appropriate books
This helps children understand that print carries meaning.
5. Early Writing Experiences
Preschoolers explore writing through:
Drawing pictures
Tracing shapes and letters
Writing their names
Using crayons, markers, and paint
These activities strengthen fine motor skills, creativity, and confidence.
How Golden City CDC Supports Literacy at Home
Strong literacy development happens when school and home work together. Our preschool program encourages families to support learning beyond the classroom.
Parents are encouraged to:
Read with their child daily, even for a few minutes
Talk about pictures and stories in books
Sing songs and nursery rhymes
Encourage storytelling about daily activities
Provide access to crayons, paper, and books
Model reading at home (children learn by observing adults)
Our Child Care Center may also share book suggestions, learning tips, and progress updates to keep families involved.
Why Early Literacy Matters
Developing literacy skills during the preschool years helps children:
Build confidence
Strengthen communication skills
Prepare for kindergarten
Develop a lifelong love of learning
Children who feel positive about language and reading are more likely to succeed both academically and socially.
Every Child Learns at Their Own Pace
Preschoolers develop literacy skills at different rates. At Golden City CDC, we focus on:
Encouragement, not pressure
Play-based learning
Individualized support
Building curiosity and confidence
Early literacy should feel fun, engaging, and meaningful for every child.
Need More Information?
For more information on how Golden City CDC, Inc., a licensed Child Care Center, supports early learning and families, please visit:
https://www.goldencitycdc.com/