Phonological Awareness: the ability to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.
Young children are much better at hearing different sounds (also called phonemes) than adults, because children are wired for learning multiple languages in the early years.
Being able to hear the beginning and ending sounds that make up words will help children sound out words when they begin to read, and break the code between written language (letters) and spoken language (sounds).
What can parents do to help children hear and play with the smaller sounds in words?
One of the best – and most enjoyable – ways is to say nursery rhymes and sing songs. Hearing words that rhyme helps your child learn that words are made up of smaller parts. The children’s librarian at your favorite library can help you find books of rhymes!
Songs have a different note for each syllable, which helps children break down words. Sing throughout the day, as you do routines such as bathing, dressing, putting toys away, etc. Make up your own songs too.
If you are using recordings with songs or rhymes, look for versions that repeat and that are a little slower in pacing for babies and toddlers. Library staff can suggest books, tapes and CDs that your baby or toddler will enjoy.
Many children who have difficulty reading have trouble with phonological awareness. It’s important to help develop this skill in four- and five-year olds so they are ready to learn to read when they begin school. Phonological awareness includes:
The ability to say whether or not two words rhyme (cat and bat; dog and cat)
The ability to say words with sound or word chunks left out (ti-ger without the ti = ger)
The ability to put two word chunks together to make a word (tie + ger = tiger)
The ability to say one-syllable words without the first sound (bat – buh = at)
Read books with alliteration like Aster Aardvark’s Alphabet Adventures by Steven Kellogg, and tongue twisters like Busy Buzzing Bumble Bees and Other Tongue Twisters by Alvin Schwartz.
Play games like “I Spy”. “I spy something black that rhymes with sat. What is it? CAT.”
Visit your public library often with your child. You’ll find lots of great books and other materials to help make learning phonological awareness fun!
