Subscribe to Early Lit BitsPrintable Activites
Help your child learn to read with some of these great activities to print (PDF format):
Hot Dog Song
If you have been to a PLAY-GROW-READ! program and can't remember the words to the Hot Dog Song, now they are just a click away. Singing slows down language so children can hear the different sounds in words and learn about syllables.
Brown Bear Sequencing
Cut apart the pictures, then work together with your child to retell the Brown Bear story. Let your child make up their own story using the pictures. Self-expression stimulates brain development!
(En Español)
Letter Cards
Fun with letters! These pages contain a set of uppercase alphabet cards. You can use them in many ways: roll out play dough in the shape of these letters or let your child trace the letters. Encourage your child to touch the letters, play with them, and explore the alphabet.
Letter Puzzles
Cut apart the puzzles and as you reassemble them, say the names of the pictured items aloud. Talking with your child about the pictures will help increase their vocabulary. Practicing cutting and using puzzles are both great ways to help build fine motor control — an important piece in learning to write!
Domino Alphabet Train
Cut each page down the center and on the dotted lines. Mix up the pieces and then match uppercase and lowercase letters to make a long train. This activity will help in learning letters and help make the connection between upper and lower case. Try making the letter sounds as you go for an added activity.
Vocabulary Puzzle
Cut apart these pictures and your child can play with the self-correcting puzzle to learn the names of articles of clothing. Talk with your child about the different words and use them in context. Talking with your child is one of the best ways to help develop language and other early literacy skills.
(En Español)
Rhyming Cards
Talk and play with rhymes! The ability to hear separate sounds in words is important to prepare children to decode print. Cut apart the pictures and work with your child to match the rhyming pairs.
(En Español)
Matching Cards
Use these matching cards to help build vocabulary and to work on beginning reading skills. Learning to sort words into word families and seeing how words look alike and sound alike is a helpful tool in learning to rhyme. Rhymers are readers!
Word Matching Game
Cut apart the pictures and words. By matching the colors, your child can match the name to the picture, which increases vocabulary. Use the words to tell your child a story. Telling stories is a great way to broaden your child's use of language.
(En Español)
Say It Fast / Say It Slow
This activity helps your child to hear separate sounds in words. Cut the pictures along the dotted lines indicated to divide the word at the syllable. Put the two halves together and say the word "fast"; then separate the two halves as you say the word "slowly." Talking with your child helps them learn oral language, one of the most important early literacy skills.
My Story
Telling stories is a wonderful way to increase a child's vocabulary. Have your child draw a picture on the blank part of the paper. Next, have them tell you a story about their picture. Write down EXACTLY what your child says and then mount it on colored construction paper for a beautiful frame!
Printable Cutting Pages
Using scissors is a great way for children to get ready to write because it helps develop their fine motor skills.
- Gardening Fun with Katie L. cutting page
- Picnic with Katie L. cutting page
- Summer Fun with Katie L. cutting page
- Winter Fun with Katie L. cutting page
For more information on early literacy or to schedule a workshop, call the Kent District Library Outreach Specialist at 784-2016 x2221, or email program_outreach@kdl.org.