Learning to read in the preschool years is not about pushing children too early or drilling them with worksheets. In Western Australia, strong early literacy is closely linked to later success in Pre-Primary, particularly under EYLF Outcome 5, which focuses on children becoming confident communicators. When reading is introduced the right way, it builds curiosity, confidence, and a genuine love of language.
At this age, the goal is simple: help children understand that spoken words are made up of sounds, and that those sounds connect to letters on a page. This foundation—phonemic awareness and early phonics—should feel playful, not pressured. Research consistently shows that children learn best when reading is woven into daily routines through stories, games, and conversation.
This guide breaks the process into clear, science-backed steps: interactive read-alouds, sound blending, and hands-on phonics games that fit easily into family life. Many Lake Coogee early learning centres already support this approach, using outdoor reading corners and nature-based literacy play. You’ll also find a practical checklist and ideas for local workshops to support learning at home.
Essential Foundational Skills
Before a child can read words, they need a few core building blocks firmly in place. These skills develop naturally when adults talk, read, and play with children regularly.
Phonemic Awareness
Phonemic awareness is the ability to hear and work with the individual sounds in spoken words. It comes before reading and does not require letters at all. Children learn this by clapping syllables, spotting rhymes, and playing sound games.
For example, clapping the beats in “ba-na-na” or noticing that cat rhymes with hat helps children tune into how language works. Simple games like “What sound does sun start with?” build awareness without formal teaching. These skills make it much easier for children to decode words later on.
Alphabet and Print Concepts
Children also need to understand how print works. This includes recognising letters, learning their sounds, and knowing that text is read from left to right. Singing alphabet songs, pointing to letters on signs, and tracing shapes with fingers all help reinforce letter knowledge.
When reading together, tracking words with your finger shows children that spoken words match printed text. Over time, they learn that letters represent sounds and that those sounds blend together to make words. This understanding is essential for early reading success.
Step-by-Step Daily Teaching Plan
A short, consistent routine works far better than long, irregular sessions. The plan below can be completed in about 35 minutes a day and fits easily around preschool schedules.
Step 1: Immersive Read-Alouds
Reading aloud is the most powerful tool for building early literacy. Aim for 15–20 minutes every day, even if it’s broken into shorter sessions. Choose books with rhythm, repetition, and rich language.
Australian favourites like Hairy Maclary and The Gruffalo are excellent because they encourage prediction and playful participation. Ask questions such as, “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character feels that way?” Pause to talk about pictures and new words.
Interactive reading strengthens vocabulary, listening skills, and comprehension. It also helps children associate books with comfort and enjoyment, which is critical for long-term reading motivation.
Step 2: Sound Blending Practice
Once children can hear individual sounds, they can begin blending them together. Start with simple CVC words (consonant-vowel-consonant) like cat, pin, and sun.
Say each sound slowly: /c/-/a/-/t/, then blend them together into cat. Using fingers for each sound helps children visualise the process. Word cards or homemade flashcards work well, especially when kept short and upbeat.
Successive blending—adding one sound at a time—builds confidence and accuracy. Keep sessions brief, around 10 minutes, and stop before frustration appears.
Step 3: Hands-On Phonics Games
Phonics sticks best when children can touch and move letters. Magnetic letters on the fridge, forming words with playdough, or matching letters during floor games all reinforce learning.
Once children can decode simple words, introduce a small number of sight words such as the or is. These should come after a phonics base is established, not before.
Simple Daily Plan
| Step | Activity | Duration |
| 1 | Read-aloud | 15 min |
| 2 | Blending | 10 min |
| 3 | Games | 10 min |
Fun Multisensory Activities
Preschoolers learn best when their whole body is involved. Multisensory activities deepen understanding and keep children engaged.
Movement and Sensory Phonics
Turning letters into movement helps children remember them. Making letter shapes with arms, jumping on chalk letters outdoors, or tracing letters in sand all support muscle memory.
Outdoor learning works particularly well in WA. During Lake Coogee walks, children can “paint” letters with water on pavement or draw shapes in the sand. These experiences link literacy to real-world exploration and reduce resistance to learning.
Writing and Vocabulary Boosters
Early writing starts with scribbling. Encourage children to tell stories about their drawings and write their words underneath. This shows them that writing communicates meaning, even before correct spelling appears.
Labeling drawings, making simple shopping lists, or writing names on artwork all reinforce print awareness. Reading 10 or more books a week significantly boosts vocabulary, especially when adults pause to explain words and discuss pictures.
The key is conversation. Talking about stories, asking open-ended questions, and connecting books to daily life builds language faster than reading alone.
EYLF/NQS Integration for Australian Families
Quality early reading aligns closely with national early childhood frameworks.
Centre Strategies
Under EYLF and NQS, literacy is embedded through play, relationships, and intentional teaching. Many WA centres use group story circles, shared writing activities, and learning portfolios to track progress.
Lake Coogee services often link literacy with nature, such as beach-themed word hunts or storytelling inspired by outdoor exploration. These experiences strengthen engagement and reflect children’s local environment.
Progress Monitoring
By around four years old, many children can blend simple CVC words. Progress varies, so observe confidence rather than speed. If a child shows frustration, reduce difficulty and revisit earlier skills.
Overcoming Challenges
Short attention spans are normal. Keep sessions brief and end on a positive note. For bilingual families, continue reading in the home language while introducing English sounds gradually—this supports overall language development.
Early signs of reading difficulty may include trouble hearing rhymes or remembering letter sounds. Early support, rather than waiting, leads to better outcomes. Speak with educators or health professionals if concerns persist.
Above all, avoid comparison. Each child develops at their own pace, and confidence matters more than early mastery.
Conclusion
Teaching preschoolers to read does not require pressure or perfection. When phonics is introduced through play, routine, and connection, children develop strong foundations before Kindy begins. Consistent read-alouds, simple blending practice, and hands-on games create confident, curious learners.
Families and early learning centres around Lake Coogee already see the benefits of combining home support with EYLF-aligned teaching. With patience and enjoyment at the centre, reading becomes something children look forward to—not something they fear.
