Reading can be thought of as sounding out words, but the foundation is built through play, song, and curiosity. From noticing letters in the real world to joining in with singing nursery rhymes or listening to familiar tales, every small interaction is a building block for literacy. Before a child ever decodes a sentence, they are learning the ‘mechanics’ of stories. Handling a book, hearing the rhythm of a song, and spotting letters on a cereal box are all vital pre-reading skills. Focusing on the joy of reading is key, fluency will follow. #NationalYearOfReading