By the end of Pre-primary, your child should have built upon their Kindergarten literacy skills in the following ways:
- Expanded Vocabulary and Phonics Skills
- What to expect: Your child should have a well developed vocabulary and be able to use more complex words in both speech and writing. They should know all 26 alphabet sounds and also be applying more advanced phonics skills, such as digraphs (e.g., “sh” in “ship”).
- Why it matters: A wider vocabulary and better phonics skills support fluent reading and writing. By understanding more complex spelling patterns, children are able to read and spell a wider range of words.
- Fluent Word Reading
- What to expect: At this stage, children should be able to read simple sentences with greater accuracy. They should be able to read some high frequency words such as : /the/ /in/ on/ /a/ which will increase their fluency.
- Why it matters: Reading fluently builds confidence and allows children to focus more on understanding the meaning of the text rather than decoding each word.
- Reading Comprehension
- What to expect: By the end of pre-primary, children should be able to answer basic questions about stories they’ve read or heard. They should be able to identify the main idea, recognise characters, and talk about key events in a story.
- Why it matters: Comprehension is a key indicator of reading success. If children are able to understand the content they read, they are more likely to engage with and enjoy reading.
- Writing Sentences and Short Stories
- What to expect: Your child should be able to write simple sentences with correct capitalisation and punctuation (such as fullstops and capital letters). They may also begin to write short stories or narratives that demonstrate a basic understanding of story structure.
- Why it matters: Writing skills continue to support reading development. When children write, they reinforce what they are learning about letter sounds, word formation, and sentence structure.
Supporting Your Child’s Literacy Development
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are things you can do as a parent to support their literacy journey:
- Read Aloud: Reading aloud to your child every day helps them develop listening skills, expands their vocabulary, and fosters a love of books and reading.
- Encourage Writing: Provide opportunities for your child to write, whether it’s through drawing and labeling pictures, writing lists, or creating short stories.
- Play Phonics Games: Fun activities like rhyming games, sound-matching games, or simple word-building activities can reinforce phonics skills in an engaging way.
- Create a Print-Rich Environment: Label objects around your home, create a family reading corner, and surround your child with books that match their interests and reading level.
- Be Patient and Celebrate Progress: Literacy development takes time. Celebrate the small milestones along the way and provide plenty of encouragement.
Conclusion
By the end of kindergarten and pre-primary, your child should be well on their way to becoming a confident reader and writer. They may not be reading novels yet, but they should have a solid grasp of the foundational skills that will serve them throughout their educational journey. Keep in mind that every child progresses differently, so don’t worry if your child is not meeting every milestone exactly on schedule. The key is to provide them with a nurturing, print-rich environment and to support their learning every step of the way.
Remember, literacy is not just about reading and writing — it’s about giving your child the tools to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage with the world around them. By laying these early foundations, you’re helping your child unlock a world of opportunities.