Reading and Math Activities

 
It is never too early to ignite the excitement of learning in your child! 
Here are some fun activities you can do with your child!

Reading Skills:
•Brainstorm and illustrate pictures that begin with letters of the alphabet!
•Practice matching beginning sounds: Find a picture that starts like house.
•Use play-doh or string to practice making letters/words! 
•Use shaving cream or a soap bar to practice making letters/words in the 
bathtub!
•Cut letters out of the newspaper or a magazine to create simple words! 
•Play Memory or Go Fish with index cards. Write upper and lowercase letters 
to match or two sets of sight words.
•Pick a letter when you are at the grocery store, look for that letter!

Writing Skills:
•Write grocery lists, notes to family members, and reminders.
•Label objects in your house!
•Keep a notebook and pencil/crayons in the car (great for long car trips)!
•Write simple letters or cards to grandparents or friends!  

Story retelling: 
While reading bedtime stories with your child-
•discuss the characters in the story.
•discuss what happened in the story. Ask your child what happened at the 
beginning, middle, and end of the story.
•make predictions about what will happen next.
•discuss your favorite part of the story.

Phonemic Awareness or Sound Games:
•Say 2 words, have your child tell you if they have the same beginning 
sound. If they do, have them think of a word with that same beginning sound. 
Then ask what letter makes that sound.
•Say a word slowly, c-a-t or b-l-o-ck. Have your child listen and figure our 
the word you said. 
•Say 2 words, have your child tell you if they rhyme. 
•Make up real and silly words that rhyme. Take a word 
family like "at" and go through the alphabet to make new words (bat, cat, 
dat, and so on).

Math Skills: 
•Play war. 
•Practice counting toys or objects around the house!
•Practice estimating at home! Have your child reach in and grab a handful of 
beans or cereal...estimate...then check!
•Count backwards like a rocket ship while getting ready for 
school or bed.
•Sort objects around your house (buttons, toys, socks, shoes, etc.)