How to Choose Toys for Early Literacy Skills

There’s something truly magical about watching a child recognize their first letters, sound out their first words, and eventually dive headfirst into the world of books. But literacy isn’t just about reading—it’s about communication, storytelling, and a love for words. And guess what? It all starts with play!

At The Rocking Horse, we believe that the right toys can set kids on a path to strong literacy skills. Whether you have a toddler who loves flipping through board books or a preschooler ready to sound out words, here’s how to choose the best toys to nurture early literacy.

1. Start with Letter Recognition

Toys that introduce letters and sounds in a fun and engaging way lay the foundation for reading. Look for:
✔ Alphabet Puzzles – Hands-on learning makes letters stick!
✔ Magnetic Letters – Perfect for fridge-time spelling fun.
✔ Letter Blocks – Great for stacking, sorting, and spelling simple words.

2. Encourage Storytelling & Imaginative Play

Before kids can read, they tell stories! This builds vocabulary and comprehension. Try:
✔ Story Cards – Roll the dice, create a story—so much fun!
✔ Puppet Sets – Acting out tales helps with sequencing and expression.
✔ Playsets & Dolls – Open-ended storytelling at its best.

3. Explore Sounds & Phonics

Rhyming and sound awareness are key to future reading success. Fun options include:
✔ Rhyme & Rhythm Books – The more silly sounds, the better!
✔ Phonics Games – Matching letters to sounds makes reading easier.
✔ Musical Toys – Songs and rhymes naturally reinforce language learning.

4. Make Writing Fun

Even before kids can write, they love to ‘scribble’ their stories. Encourage this with:
✔ Tracing Boards – A great way to practice letter formation.
✔ Chalk & Whiteboards – Low-pressure ways to experiment with writing.
✔ Stamps & Stickers – Get creative with letters and words!

5. Choose Books They’ll Love

Toys are great, but books are the ultimate literacy booster! Some tips:
✔ Interactive Books – Lift-the-flap, touch-and-feel, or sound books add extra fun.
✔ Picture Books with Repetitive Text – Repetition helps with word recognition.

Play Today, Read Tomorrow!

The best part about literacy toys? They don’t feel like ‘learning’ - they’re just plain fun! By choosing toys that encourage letters, storytelling, and sound play, you’re setting your child up for a lifelong love of reading.