Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

At Kids Kingdom, we provide a literacy rich environment, with plentiful opportunities for sharing fiction and non‐fiction texts and mark‐making activities both inside and outside, using traditional materials such as pens and pencils, but also brushes and water, or sticks in the sand. Children’s early marks are the basis of writing.

What you can do to help your child:

• Children who are read to and enjoy books from an early age are most likely to be successful readers in the future. Try and share a book with your child as often as possible.

• Encourage your child to turn the pages, talk about the book and notice familiar letters, such as letters from their name. You could point to the words as you read. Give your child lots of opportunities for making marks using different materials, e.g. writing shopping lists together, making cards, or drawing with chalk outside.
• Notice print in the environment ‐ shop names, food labels and car logos are often instantly recognisable to young children.