You teach young children reading and writing by building phonological awareness, connecting sounds to letters systematically, and developing the fine motor skills needed for writing. Structured, playful and gradual practice helps these foundational skills grow with confidence. Build sound awareness, link sounds to letters systematically, and develop writing through fine motor practice.
Phonological awareness first
Before formal reading, children benefit from hearing and playing with sounds — rhymes, syllables and initial sounds — which underpins decoding.
Songs, games and stories build this naturally.
Linking sounds and letters
Systematic phonics connects sounds to written letters, giving children a reliable tool for reading and spelling new words.
A clear, structured sequence works best.
Developing writing
Writing depends on fine motor control, so activities that strengthen hands — drawing, threading, play-dough — support letter formation.
Writing then develops from marks to letters to words.
Keeping it meaningful and playful
Linking reading and writing to stories, play and children’s own interests keeps motivation high and learning meaningful.
Enjoyment supports steady progress.
Keeping early literacy motivating
Early literacy succeeds when it stays enjoyable, so linking reading and writing to stories, play and children’s own interests sustains motivation.
Celebrating small milestones and keeping pressure low helps children associate literacy with pleasure rather than anxiety, which supports long-term progress.
Balancing systematic instruction with meaningful, playful experiences gives children both the skills and the desire to read and write.
Supporting children who find literacy hard
Some children need more time and support with early reading and writing, so patience, repetition and a focus on small successes are essential.
Breaking skills into tiny steps, using multisensory activities and keeping the experience positive helps struggling learners progress without losing confidence.
Where difficulties persist, involving colleagues, families and, if appropriate, specialists ensures the child gets the right support early rather than falling behind.
Reading aloud and a print-rich environment
Regular reading aloud and a classroom rich in print, labels and books build the vocabulary, motivation and print awareness that underpin early literacy.
Giving children frequent, low-pressure chances to experiment with letters, sounds and mark-making helps skills develop naturally alongside enjoyment.
What to check
- Phonological awareness activities
- A systematic phonics approach
- Fine motor skill development
- Meaningful, playful contexts
- Gradual, confidence-building progression
Important distinction
Approaches to early literacy vary by curriculum. Training covers widely used methods; follow your setting’s chosen approach and support individual needs.
Related quick questions
What comes before reading?
Is phonics important?
How does writing start?
How do I keep early literacy enjoyable?
Why balance systematic and playful?
How do I help a child struggling with reading?
When should I involve others?
Does reading aloud help literacy?
How should children practise writing?
Related LCT pathway
The Pre and Primary Teacher Training pathway at London College of Teachers is the most directly related programme.
Explore Pre and Primary Teacher Training