How to Build Phonics and Reading Skills in Kindergartners

Kindergarten marks the beginning of an exciting adventure in literacy. It’s when young learners start to grasp the fascinating connection between spoken and written language.

There must be a deliberate effort to help them build phonics and reading skills for maximum effect. By nurturing these skills, we equip them with the tools to decode words, unlock meaning, and ultimately, become confident and enthusiastic readers.  

What is the Power of Phonics?

Phonics is the system that links letters (or letter combinations) to the sounds they represent. Mastering phonics empowers children to do the following

• Decode words: Instead of guessing at words, they learn to sound them out strategically, breaking them down into individual sounds (phonemes) and blending them back together.  
• Read with fluency: As decoding becomes automatic, reading becomes smoother and more expressive, allowing children to focus on understanding the story.  
• Improve spelling: The ability to connect sounds to letters translates directly to stronger spelling skills.  
• Enhance comprehension: When children can effortlessly decode words, they free up mental space to focus on the meaning of the text.  

Making Phonics Fun and Engaging

Learning phonics shouldn’t feel like a chore! To make it an enjoyable experience for your kindergartner, do the following;

1. Sing alphabet songs and nursery rhymes

These timeless classics are packed with rhyming words and repetitive phrases that naturally reinforce letter sounds and patterns. “The ABC Song,” “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star,” and “Hickory Dickory Dock” are just a few examples.  

2. Play sound games

Turn phonics practice into playtime!

• “I Spy” with beginning sounds: “I spy something that starts with /b/.” (e.g., a ball, a book).
• Rhyming games: “What rhymes with cat? Hat, bat, mat!”
• Sound matching games: Use picture cards or objects and have your child match those that start with the same sound.  

3. Read Interactive Books Aloud

Choose books with vibrant illustrations and repetitive text that invite your child to participate. Point to the words as you read, emphasizing the sounds and encouraging your child to join in. Books like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom and The Very Hungry Caterpillar are excellent choices.

4. Use manipulatives

Hands-on activities make learning more concrete.

• Magnetic letters: Stick them on the fridge or a cookie sheet to create words, spell names, or practice letter recognition.  
• Letter tiles: Use them to build words, sort by beginning sounds, or create simple sentences.  
• Alphabet blocks: These classic toys offer a fun way to explore letters and build vocabulary.  

5. Get creative with arts and crafts

• Playdough letters: Roll and shape playdough to form letters.  
• Finger paint fun: Write letters in finger paint, shaving cream, or sand.  
• Letter collages: Cut out letters from magazines or newspapers and create a colorful collage.

6. Incorporate technology

There’s a wealth of interactive phonics apps and websites that offer engaging games and activities. ABCmouse, Starfall, and Reading Eggs are popular options.  

Developing Key Reading Skills in Kids

Phonics is a vital foundation, but it works best alongside other essential reading skills. That’ why you must build phonics and reading skills together. Here are the necessary skills to be built and activities that can help build them.

Phonemic Awareness

This is the ability to hear, identify, and manipulate individual sounds (phonemes) in words. It’s a crucial pre-reading skill.

To build this, play games that involve rhyming, blending sounds to make words (“/c/ /a/ /t/ makes cat!”), segmenting words into sounds (“What are the sounds in ‘dog’?”), and identifying the beginning, middle, or ending sounds of words.

Vocabulary Development

A rich vocabulary is essential for reading comprehension.

To develop your kids’ vocabulary, read aloud a wide range of books, exposing your child to diverse language and new words. Talk about the stories, explain the meanings of unfamiliar words, and encourage your child to ask questions. Play word games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to expand their vocabulary.  

Print Awareness

This is the understanding that print carries meaning and has its own conventions. Point out words in your environment (street signs, food labels, book titles), show your child how to hold a book correctly, track words from left to right with your finger as you read, and explain the difference between letters, words, and sentences.

Reading Comprehension

Even in kindergarten, you can start building comprehension skills. To aid comprehension, ask simple questions about the stories you read (“Who are the characters?”, “What happened in the beginning?”, “How did the story end?”). Encourage your child to retell the story in their own words, discuss the characters and events, and make predictions about what might happen next.  

Creating a Literacy-Rich Home (A Brief Introduction)

The home environment plays a significant role in nurturing a love of reading. (In another post, we cover how to create a literacy-rich home.) For now, remember to:

• Make reading a regular part of your day.
• Surround your child with books.
• Show your child that you enjoy reading.

By building phonics and reading skills in your children, you give them a priceless gift – the ability to unlock the world of reading and all the wonders it holds! Not sure where to start? Contact Excel Star Learners today.