Reading: What should I expect from my 4 year old?

By late in the preschool years, children usually have an interest in books and stories. They begin to:
recognize familiar signs and labels, especially on signs and containers
make up rhymes or silly phrases
recognize and write some of the letters of the alphabet
read and write their names
name letters or sounds that begin words
match some letters to their sounds
use familiar letters to try writing words
Playing with language is one of the most important parts of learning to read. How are you encouraging your child to play with language at home? Please leave us a comment to share your ideas.