Sound Play at Home: Simple Games to Build Early Reading Skills 

May 12, 2026
A parent and a child playing with circular, multi-color toys

Phonological awareness—the ability to hear, notice, and play with sounds in spoken language—is an important building block for reading and spelling success. Families can help their children develop these skills long before formal reading instruction begins. 

In this resource, Tennessee Reading Research Center collaborator Dr. Christina Novelli explains what phonological awareness is and shares three easy, everyday activities that families can do with their children. 

Explore this resource to learn more about phonological awareness and ways to help your child build a foundation for reading and spelling success.