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What is Phonological Awareness?

Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.  This understanding will help your child break the code between written language and spoken language when he learns how to read.

Rhyming and breaking down words into syllables are examples of this important early literacy skill.

How can I help my child develop phonological awareness?

Playing rhyming games is a fun way to encourage phonological awareness.  Even if the rhymes are silly and don’t make sense, your child is learning to break down words into smaller parts (syllables). Identify words that rhyme with each other - start with "bat" and take turns thinking of others: mat, cat, that, hat, etc. Singing songs and reading books that rhyme help, too. You can point out the rhyming words as you go.