Teach phonemic awareness, which occurs when children understand that each letter is represented by a corresponding sound, and that these sounds can be blended together to make words. Phonemic activities are entirely auditory. Reciting nursery rhymes is an effective phonemic exercise, because it demonstrates to children that changing one or two sounds results in different words.
Introduce phonics. When phonemic awareness is incorporated with print, phonics instruction begins. Phonics includes the teaching letters of the alphabet, their sound and shape as well as how to blend sounds into words when reading texts. Preschool teachers focus on initial sounds. Children will learn middle and ending sounds in kindergarten and first grade. Preschool teachers use alphabet charts and flash cards to help kids learn to recognize letters while producing the sound for each one.
Emphasize concepts of print awareness. Concepts of print include knowing how to hold a book, how to read from left to right as well as knowing where to begin reading in the book. Preschool teachers demonstrate these skills as they read aloud to the children. Classrooms should have many books available for children to hold and explore.
Utilize small-group learning centers to practice and reinforce literacy skills. Learning centers are composed of materials and manipulatives like plastic letter tiles and alphabet cards that children use in groups to help each other apply what they've learned in class. Children may write in their own books with markers or crayons or practice writing their letters in sand or making them with Play-doh. These hands-on methods help preschoolers improve skills that will make them better readers.