Coloring Over Words Pre-Reading Activity

My toddlers and preschoolers like coloring over the text and pictures I have written on huge sheets of paper. This is a fantastic pre-reading exercise that aids kids in memorizing words, which plays a greater role in learning to read than most people realize. The best part is how simple it is to set up and carry out!

With each of my kids, I’ve done a different variation of this practice, and it’s been a HUGE part of why they’ve all started reading at such a young age.

Materials Needed

Paper – You can use rolls of paper, large sheets, smaller sheets, or even just plain computer paper. You can also do this activity using a spiral notebook or composition notebook so that you can save all of your drawings to read later.

Markers – When it’s back-to-school time, I enjoy purchasing huge quantities of markers like these. You may also use crayons or colored pencils, although markers are easier for small hands to use and make a line that is quite pleasing to the eye.

Stickers – I adore receiving large sticker sets from Melissa and Doug, like these and this. For $5 each book, you receive a ton of stickers that the kids like.

*Write-On Wipe Off Books – The Priddy Books write-on wipe-off books are by far the best out of all the ones I’ve tested. (Remember to bring some Expo markers.) The ability to write letters is not necessary for young children to appreciate these coloring books. My preschoolers and toddlers like coloring over the words, images, and alphabet; this is another excellent approach to help them become comfortable with their ABCs and learn new words.

Directions

Write a smattering of short and familiar words on the paper. While starting each kid with many of the same fundamental words, such as “hi,” “clap,” “wave,” “cat,” “dog,” “sun,” “bus,” “car,” etc., I like to utilize words that represent their interests. (You can always search for “teaching three letter words” in Google to get more word suggestions and tools like this.)
Draw little pictures next to some of the words. I like to add a small illustration next to new words. I frequently choose words depending on how simple it would be to draw the image! However, after they are comfortable with the word, I stop drawing the picture so they may recall it without the help of the picture.
Keep writing while they color. My little children like coloring beside me. Unless I’m carrying a newborn and trying to video record at the same time, I don’t usually plan them in advance; instead, we do it together. They may color one while I prepare another, or we may work on the same page at different times.
Write down the names of family members. These are some of the first words my tiny ones can read, despite the fact that names are usually longer and have more intricate spelling patterns. You might list the names of family members along with their ages, relationships (brother, sister, cousin, etc.), preferred colors, genders, and other details.
Write down letters, numbers, shapes, and colors. Children who comprehend these fundamental ideas well will have a solid foundation in the fundamentals needed to thrive in preschool and kindergarten. The same is true for the other categories as well. Some of my kids enjoy seeing the entire alphabet printed out, while others only enjoy a few letters.
Use stickers for a treat. Every so often, I like to mix things up with stickers. After putting the sticker on the paper, I will label it.
Repeat, repeat, repeat. I really believe in following a child’s lead, so I like engaging in this activity anytime my son or daughter expresses an interest in it. This might imply that we perform it daily or only a few times each month. Julian (2) now LOVES coloring, so we engage with this pastime frequently. I cycle in new terms after using the same ones again until he masters them or loses interest.

In Conclusion

This activity seems so simple and so easy it’s like, why even write a blog about it? But I’m telling you, it is PROFOUND in helping children learn how to read.

Not only that, but it’s also a fun and unique opportunity for you and your child to interact as you work together, sit side by side, engage in brief discussions, discover one another’s unique hobbies, and practice the fine motor skills required to handle a writing instrument.

What could be better than taking a break from a stressful day as a parent to teach, bond, and create memories together by participating in an activity like this?

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