The importance of Early Literacy Skills: Giving little learners the best start

At Treetop Tutoring, we know that early literacy skills are the foundation for a child’s success at school and beyond. These are the skills that help children recognise letters and sounds, understand how words work, and develop the confidence to read and communicate.

When children develop these skills early, they feel more capable in the classroom, more confident when faced with new challenges, and more curious about the world around them.

What Are Early Literacy Skills?

Early literacy skills develop before a child can read or write on their own. They include:

• Phonemic awareness – hearing and identifying the sounds in words.
  
  
• Alphabet knowledge – recognising letter names and matching them to their sounds.
  
  
• Vocabulary growth – learning new words and their meanings.
  
  
• Print awareness – understanding that print carries meaning and how books work.
  
  
• Listening comprehension – making sense of stories and information read aloud.
  
  

These skills grow best in a language-rich environment, whether at home, in preschool, or with the guidance of a dedicated primary school tutor.

Why Early Literacy Skills Matter

1. Confidence and School Readiness

Strong literacy skills give children a sense of achievement before they even start school. They arrive ready to learn, ask questions, and participate—making the transition to school much smoother.

2. Academic Success Across All Subjects

Reading is at the heart of all learning. A child with solid early literacy skills will find it easier to understand maths problems, follow science instructions, and engage with history texts.

3. Closing Learning Gaps Early

When children begin school without strong literacy foundations, they can quickly fall behind. Extra support from a literacy and numeracy tutor can bridge these gaps before they grow.

How Treetop Tutoring Supports Early Literacy

We work with children from ages 4–9, focusing on school readiness, reading, writing, and early numeracy. Our sessions are one-on-one and tailored to each child’s needs—whether they need a boost in confidence, help catching up, or extra challenges to keep them engaged.

For children who are already working with a speech therapist or occupational therapist, we also offer therapy-based support sessions. This means we can align our activities with existing therapy goals, making learning seamless and consistent.

Helping Little Learners Grow

Whether your child needs a kids tutoring session for phonics practice, support with reading comprehension, or guidance to prepare for the transition to school, Treetop Tutoring provides a calm, encouraging space for them to thrive.

By building strong early literacy skills now, we’re setting them up for a lifetime of learning success.