Skill· 2.8y–6.2y· 5 min

Letters, Words, and Stories

Parent observes ten early literacy and numeracy readiness milestones from MELQO and ECDI at 36-72mo: interest in print, communication clarity, naming categories, beginning sounds, alphabet knowledge, name writing, listening comprehension, story answering, reading familiar words, and knowing number symbols 1-10.

Start voice activity

Opens a guided voice session in TogetherTime.

What you'll need

A picture book or storybook. Pencil and paper. Optional: alphabet chart, number cards.

How it works

  1. 1~90s

    Show your child a picture book. Without reading it — just show the pages. Does your child point to the text, pretend to read, or ask what the words say? Does they show genuine interest in the print itself, not just the pictures? Then ask your child: 'Name me three animals!' Wait. 'Name me three things to eat!' Watch how clearly they communicates. Can adults who don't know your child well understand what they says? Tell me what you observe.

    Watch for: Child is interested in reading printed material

  2. 2~90s

    Four quick checks. First: ask your child: 'What sound does DOG start with?' Then: 'What starts with /m/?' This tests phonological awareness. Second: show an alphabet chart or point to letters individually — how many does your child recognise by name? Do they know fewer than 10, about 10, or more than 10? Third: ask your child to write their name. Don't guide — just offer the pencil. Fourth: do you have any familiar simple words printed near home — 'STOP', 'EXIT', cereal box words — that your child can read? Tell me all four.

    Watch for: Child identifies beginning sounds of familiar words

  3. 3~90s

    Three final checks. First: give your child a one-step instruction followed immediately by another while they is playing — without repeating. Does your child understand and respond on the first try? Second: read 4-6 pages of the picture book. Ask: 'Who was in the story?' and 'What happened at the end?' Can your child answer simple story questions? Third: show number symbols 1 through 10 — on a card, in a book, or written by hand. How many does your child name correctly? Tell me each.

    Watch for: Child understands verbal instructions on first try

What this develops

Visual example

Coming soon