In the earliest years of a child’s life, the foundation for reading is laid—not through flashcards or rote memorization, but through intentional, developmentally appropriate literacy experiences. As research in neuroscience, linguistics, and education has evolved, a clear body of evidence has emerged around what truly supports young children in becoming successful, confident readers. This research-driven framework is known as the Science of Reading.
For preschool teachers, understanding the science of reading means moving beyond traditional practices and embracing evidence-based strategies that align with how young brains learn to read. It’s not about rushing children into reading early, but about providing the right building blocks—phonological awareness, vocabulary, language comprehension, and print concepts—in rich, meaningful ways.
Let’s explore how preschool educators can apply the science of reading to spark early literacy and set every child on the path to reading success.
What Is the Science of Reading?
The Science of Reading refers to a vast, interdisciplinary body of research from fields like cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and education. This research explains how the brain learns to read, the sequence of skills children need to master, and which instructional practices are most effective.
The science shows that reading is not a natural process—unlike speaking, the human brain doesn’t automatically know how to read. It must be taught through explicit, systematic instruction. For preschoolers, this doesn’t mean drilling or pushing early reading, but laying the groundwork through play, conversation, and intentional activities.
Key Components of Early Literacy in Preschool
Oral Language Development
Talking, listening, storytelling, and singing help children develop the vocabulary and language structures they’ll later need to understand written text.
Encourage back-and-forth conversations and rich language exposure daily.
Phonological Awareness
This is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words (like rhyming, syllables, and beginning sounds).
Activities like clapping out syllables, rhyming games, and sound matching are fun and foundational.
Print Awareness
Children need to understand that print carries meaning and how books and written words work.
Read aloud daily, point to words as you read, and expose children to labels, signs, and names in the classroom.
Letter Knowledge and Phonics Foundations
Preschoolers benefit from playful exposure to letters and their sounds through songs, puzzles, art, and hands-on games.
Focus on both letter names and sounds, but don’t rush into formal phonics—just spark curiosity and recognition.
Vocabulary and Background Knowledge
Reading comprehension depends on understanding the words and concepts in a story.
Build vocabulary through read-alouds, thematic play, nature walks, and everyday conversation.
Comprehension and Story Structure
Even before children can decode words, they can understand and talk about stories.
Use open-ended questions after reading, retell stories with props, and help children make predictions or personal connections.
Practical Strategies for Preschool Teachers
Daily Read-Alouds: Choose high-quality, engaging books and read with expression. Re-read favorites to deepen understanding.
Interactive Songs and Rhymes: Use songs with actions and rhymes to build sound awareness.
Language-Rich Environment: Label the classroom, post children’s names, use visual schedules, and create a print-rich space.
Story Retelling Centers: Provide puppets, flannel boards, and props for children to act out familiar stories.
Literacy-Integrated Play: Set up a pretend post office, grocery store, or doctor’s office with signs, lists, menus, and name tags.
Alphabet Exploration: Offer magnetic letters, letter stamps, and puzzles for tactile, letter-focused play.
Supporting All Learners
The science of reading emphasizes explicit, intentional instruction—but it must also be inclusive and playful in early childhood. Some children may need more targeted support with sound awareness, vocabulary, or listening comprehension. Observing, scaffolding, and meeting each child where they are is critical.
Use small groups, individual reading times, and consistent routines to ensure all learners—especially multilingual children or those with language delays—have access to strong literacy foundations.
Professional Development Matters
Understanding the science of reading requires ongoing learning. Many preschool teachers were not trained in evidence-based literacy practices during their formal education. Fortunately, platforms like ECE University provide online courses tailored to early educators, helping bridge the gap between research and practice.
Topics might include:
Phonological awareness strategies
Supporting language-rich environments
Planning literacy-based play experiences
Culturally responsive literacy instruction
Conclusion: Laying the Foundation for a Lifetime of Reading
Preschool is not about teaching children to read right now, but about giving them everything they need to become readers when the time is right. By aligning your practices with the science of reading, you can ensure that children leave your classroom with strong language skills, a love for stories, and the cognitive building blocks to thrive as readers in kindergarten and beyond.
When we nurture early literacy with purpose and play, we don’t just prepare children for school—we empower them for life.