Written by: Sonia Strueby, M.A., CCC-SLP, Founder of Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center
Originally Published: May 22, 2024 | Updated: August 27, 2026
Way before your child starts formally learning to read, the foundations of reading are already being built through the everyday, child-led play you’re doing at home. You don’t need flashcards or workbooks to start. A few small, playful moments woven into pretend play can introduce your child to how reading and print work. Here are three easy scenarios to try, plus a few more everyday ideas.
What Is Print Awareness, and Why Does It Matter?
Print awareness is the understanding that the squiggly lines on a page actually represent spoken language, and that print follows certain patterns, like being read left to right and top to bottom.
According to Reading Rockets, print awareness is often a child’s earliest introduction to literacy, laying the groundwork for formal reading instruction later on. The good news is that this foundation builds naturally through everyday interactions with books and print, long before a child sounds out their first word.
3 Playful Ways to Introduce Reading Concepts
1. Play Pretend Waiter
You and your child are playing “restaurant,” and they’re cooking for you. Grab a notepad and pencil and model how you’d write down their order for the chef. It’s okay if they just write a line, scribbles, or shapes, the idea is that they’re practicing putting information on paper. Take turns placing orders, or try “writing” a grocery list to take to the store together.
2. Be a Model Student
Your child is playing “school” and tells their students it’s quiet reading time. This is the perfect moment to model the correct orientation of a book and how to flip pages from front to back. You can even model reading by pointing to the text and following it with your finger, showing your child that the words you’re saying come directly from the letters on the page.
3. Sheet Music Sing-Along
Pick a song or nursery rhyme your child already knows by heart, and provide a written version of it in a book or on paper. Have your child follow the words with their finger as they sing along. This helps them practice the concept of following printed text while speaking, and begin to notice that spoken words correspond to specific groups of letters on the page.
More Everyday Ways to Build Print Awareness
- Point out print during daily routines, like street signs, cereal boxes, or store logos
- Label a few items around the house (like “door” or “chair”) so your child sees words connected to real objects
- Let your child “read” a familiar picture book to you by narrating the story from the pictures
- Write short notes or cards together, like a birthday card for a family member
Do I Need to Formally Teach My Child to Read at This Age?
No. Preschoolers aren’t expected to read independently yet, and that’s completely normal. The goal at this stage isn’t formal instruction, it’s playful exposure that helps your child build curiosity and comfort around books and print, which sets the stage for reading instruction down the road.
When Should I Seek Help?
Most preschoolers build print awareness naturally through everyday exposure to books and print. However, if your child shows little interest in books, doesn’t seem to notice print around them, or you have concerns about their language development more broadly, it’s worth mentioning to your child’s pediatrician or having their language and pre-literacy skills evaluated.
Get More Fun Ideas for Reading from ETLC
Challenge yourself to find a way to weave reading and writing concepts into your preschooler’s daily play. When you’d like more support or additional resources, reach out to our team at Enrichment Therapy & Learning Center, or check out more ideas on our blog for building a love of reading.
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