Big books are fun for children who are just beginning to learn about reading. The large print is ideal for determining whether a child has developed a concept of print, such as where to begin reading and how to turn pages. Begin by asking the child to identify the front and back covers of the book. See if he can point out the title, author and illustrator. You can also ask him where he would begin reading the book, and observe whether he turns the pages from left to right.
Rhyming is important for emergent readers. Rhymes help children identify the sounds in words, and they help children hear the patterns of language. Say a word, and see if your child can come up with a rhyming word, even if it is a nonsense word. Sing nursery rhymes and rhyming songs while clapping or throwing a ball. Occasionally leave off one of the rhyming words to see if your child can fill in the blank.
Alliteration activities help children to identify the beginning sounds of words. Help strengthen this skill by playing a game of "I Spy." After the child has spotted the item in question, ask her if she can see another item that begins with the same sound. You can also use alliteration to transition to a new activity or to get an item your child wants. Tell her she can have a cookie or go outside when you say an alliterative phrase using her name.
Blending promotes phonemic awareness by teaching children to combine phonemes, or sounds, into a word. Tell your child that he has to solve a mystery by figuring out what word is at the end of your sentence. Then make up a sentence, but only say the sounds of the last word. You child must then blend the sounds together to make the word. For example, you would say, "The girl picked up the /c/ /a/ /t/." Your child would say, "The girl picked up the cat."