Pre-Literacy Group
What is a pre-literacy group?
A pre-literacy group is a small, guided play session where children and caregivers practice the skills that typically come before formal reading and writing. These sessions focus on talking together, playing with rhyme and rhythm, handling books, noticing print, and building the fine motor skills that help with holding crayons and turning pages. Groups are designed to be fun, child-led, and rooted in everyday routines so learning feels natural, not like schoolwork.
Why pre-literacy skills matter
Children don’t start reading all at once. Strong reading begins with skills that grow out of daily interaction—listening to stories, talking about pictures, playing with sounds, and exploring letters and symbols. These early skills support attention, vocabulary, memory, and the confidence to try new language tasks. Practicing them in a group also gives children chances to listen, take turns, and learn from peers while caregivers pick up techniques that can be used at home.
What to expect in group sessions
- Play-based activities: Sessions include songs, fingerplays, storytime, rhyme games, and book exploration that encourage language and print awareness.
- Caregiver coaching: We model phrases, interactive reading techniques, and simple home activities so caregivers can replicate them between sessions.
- Small groups: Groups are kept small so each child gets attention and opportunities to participate in a comfortable setting.
- Routine and structure: Each session follows a predictable pattern—welcome, warm-up song, targeted activity, shared book time, and a brief wrap-up with take-home ideas.
- Progress and planning: We observe how each child responds and suggest child-centered goals and at-home practices. Progress is discussed with caregivers rather than promised or guaranteed.
Who benefits
Pre-literacy groups are useful for infants through young school-age children who are learning to enjoy and use language, and for older children who need extra practice with the basics of reading and writing. Groups are also for families who want simple, practical ways to support language and literacy at home.
When to consider support
- Your child shows little interest in books or shared story time.
- You want more strategies for building talk and vocabulary at home.
- Your child has trouble listening to short stories or repeating rhymes.
- You’d like guidance on playful ways to introduce letters, print, and fine motor skills.
How we help
- Small, supportive group sessions led by pediatric therapists with experience in early language and play.
- Caregiver coaching and modeling so families can use techniques beyond the session.
- Hands-on activities that target listening, vocabulary, narrative skills, rhyme, and print awareness.
- Practical take-home ideas and simple routines to build learning into daily life.
If you’re curious whether a pre-literacy group is a good fit for your family, we’re happy to talk through your child’s strengths and your concerns and recommend next steps that match your goals.