The Hidden Skills Children Need Before Reading and Writing

Most parents believe that learning the ABCs is all their child needs before starting to read and write. But the truth is, there are several important skills that children need to develop first. These skills lay the foundation for successful reading and writing later on. Without them, children may struggle even if they know their letters.

In this post, we will share the hidden skills that are essential before children can truly thrive in reading and writing. These include listening comprehension, vocabulary, sequencing, working memory, visual perception, and oral language. Understanding these will help you support your child’s learning journey more effectively.

Listening Comprehension and Why It Matters

Listening comprehension is the ability to understand and make sense of spoken language. It is one of the first skills children develop and is crucial for reading success. When children listen well, they can follow stories, understand instructions, and grasp new concepts.

Before children can read, they need to be able to listen carefully and understand what they hear. This skill helps them connect sounds to meanings, which is the basis of decoding words when reading. For example, if a child hears a story and can retell it in their own words, it shows strong listening comprehension.

Parents can support this skill by reading aloud regularly and asking questions about the story. Simple activities like following multi-step directions or playing listening games also help build this skill.

Building a Strong Vocabulary

Vocabulary is the collection of words a child understands and uses. A rich vocabulary makes reading easier because children recognise more words and understand their meanings. Without enough vocabulary, children may struggle to make sense of what they read.

Children learn vocabulary through everyday conversations, reading, and experiences. Talking with your child about new things, naming objects, and describing actions all help grow their word bank. For example, instead of just saying “Look at the dog,” you might say, “Look at the big, fluffy dog running fast.”

The right speech therapy programme will support vocabulary development. The speech therapists work with children to expand their language skills in a fun and engaging way.

The Role of Sequencing in Reading and Writing

Sequencing is the ability to understand and remember the order of events or steps. This skill is important for reading because stories have a beginning, middle, and end. It also helps with writing, where ideas need to be organised logically.

Children who struggle with sequencing may find it hard to follow a story or write a clear sentence. For example, if a child cannot put pictures in the right order to tell a story, they may have difficulty understanding how stories work.

You can help your child by practising sequencing with simple activities like arranging picture cards or retelling daily routines in order. This builds their ability to organise information, which is key for reading comprehension and writing skills.

Working Memory and Its Impact on Learning

Working memory is the ability to hold and use information in the mind for a short time. It is like a mental sticky note that helps children remember instructions, sounds, or words while they work on a task.

This skill is vital for reading and writing. For example, when sounding out a word, a child needs to remember the sounds and blend them together. When writing, they need to keep their ideas in mind while forming sentences.

Children with weak working memory may forget parts of instructions or lose track of what they are reading. Activities like memory games, repeating sequences, or simple mental maths can strengthen this skill.

Visual Perception and Recognising Letters

Visual perception is the ability to interpret and make sense of what the eyes see. It helps children recognise letters, words, and shapes, which is essential for reading and writing.

If a child has poor visual perception, they might confuse similar letters like ‘b’ and ‘d’ or struggle to copy shapes and letters. This can make reading and writing frustrating.

Parents can support visual perception by encouraging activities like puzzles, matching games, and drawing. These help children notice details and improve their ability to recognise letters and words.

Oral Language as the Foundation of Literacy

Oral language is the ability to use spoken words to communicate. It includes speaking clearly, using correct grammar, and understanding others. Oral language skills are the foundation for reading and writing.

Children who can express themselves well and understand others find it easier to learn to read and write. They can connect spoken words to written ones and use language to tell stories or explain ideas.

Speech and Developmental therapy by Total Communication, can be very helpful for children who need extra support with oral language. These services focus on improving communication skills in a supportive environment.

How These Skills Work Together

Each of these skills supports the others. For example, a child with good listening comprehension and vocabulary will find it easier to understand stories. Strong working memory helps them remember the sequence of events. Visual perception allows them to recognise letters and words. Oral language ties it all together by helping them express what they understand.

If any of these skills are weak, children may struggle with reading and writing even if they know their ABCs. That is why it is important to focus on these hidden skills early on.

Supporting Your Child’s Development

You can support your child’s development by:

• Reading aloud daily and discussing stories

• Playing games that build memory and sequencing

• Talking about new words and experiences

• Encouraging drawing and puzzles to improve visual skills

• Seeking professional help if your child shows signs of difficulty

By focusing on these hidden skills, you give your child a strong start in reading and writing. It is not just about knowing letters but about building the foundation that makes literacy possible.

Helping children develop these skills early can make a big difference in their confidence and success with reading and writing. If you notice your child struggling, consider reaching out to professionals who can guide you and your child through this important stage.

Remember, learning to read and write is a journey that starts long before the ABCs. Supporting these hidden skills will help your child enjoy that journey and reach their full potential.

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FAQ

What are early literacy skills?

Early literacy skills are the abilities children develop before they begin reading and writing. These include listening comprehension, vocabulary, oral language, sequencing, working memory, and visual perception.

Is learning the alphabet enough before starting school?

No. Knowing letters is important, but children also need language, memory, attention, and comprehension skills to become successful readers and writers.

Why is oral language important for reading?

Children first learn language through listening and speaking. Strong oral language helps them understand stories, build vocabulary, and connect spoken words with written words.

Can speech therapy help with reading readiness?

Yes. Speech-language therapists support many of the skills that contribute to reading readiness, including vocabulary, listening comprehension, oral language, phonological awareness, and language processing.