I debated including lessons on preschool “basics” for individual subject areas. To be honest we could develop multiple trainings for different skills and strategies to teach reading, math, and science to preschoolers. And it’s likely that we will in the future.  However, I didn’t feel like a training on getting started with home preschool would be complete without at least an overview of the basic skills and some handy activities to pull out and use with your little one. Please know that this is just an overview. If you have specific questions or need additional information, please head over to the Home Preschool Help Facebook Group and we’ll be glad to help! In this section we’ll explore a brief introduction to preschool reading skills and the goals of early literacy instruction. We’ve even included a free printable list of preschool literacy skills and easy activities you can try right away.

Preschool Reading Basics

Let’s first take a look at preschool literacy. When we discuss literacy here we are including speaking, reading and writing. While there are many skills that relate to this area, there are some overarching goals of preschool literacy.

Goals of Preschool Literacy:

• help kids become able to express themselves and communicate with others orally
• foster a love of books and writing
• lay the foundation for beginning reading and writing

All children are different and they will master different skills at different times, but when teaching home preschool my goal for each child is to find joy in reading and writing.

We engage with books and visit the library.

We act out stories and make up our own.

We do fine motor strengthening activities to get ready for writing.

By introducing letters and sounds in a playful way, we also learn about the alphabet.

In the Unit 2 Toolbox you’ll find a list of go-to sample activities that are simple and can be done with little preparation. They’re perfect for starting your first lesson plans.

Next Steps

Take a look at the literacy goals you’ve selected for your child in the previous lessons.

Review the preschool reading skills and sample activities in the Toolbox and select a few to use during your first weeks of home preschool.

Jot down any additional ideas you have for teaching those literacy skills.

This is Unit 2, Lesson 2 of the Guide to Getting Started with Home Preschool Special Training. Return to the main How to Teach Preschool at Home page or proceed to Unit 2, Lesson 3: Preschool Math Basics.