Nord Anglia Education
WRITTEN BY
Nord Anglia
March 23, 2026

How We Teach Children to Read and Write

How We Teach Children to Read and Write - How We Teach Children to Read and Write
How We Teach Children to Read and Write
In Pre-K and Kindergarten at NAISNY, children learn to read and write using a systematic phonics approach that links sounds and letters. Short daily lessons and playful activities help them practice reading, spelling, and letter formation while building confidence and independence. Our program fosters a love of reading and writing that prepares children to succeed in school and beyond.

If you are searching for a Pre-K or Kindergarten program in New York City, you want a school that builds strong reading and writing skills while helping your child feel confident and independent. At NAISNY, our structured phonics approach gives children the tools they need to become capable readers and writers, while making learning fun and engaging.

 

Systematic Phonics for Pre-K and Kindergarten

In our Pre-K and Kindergarten classes, children learn how sounds and letters work together through a systematic, synthetic phonics program. They begin by recognizing individual letter sounds, then practice blending them to read words and segmenting them to spell. Lessons are short, daily, and paired with hands-on, playful activities so children apply their skills naturally across reading and writing. This approach ensures children build confidence while developing a love for literacy from the very start.

 

Pre-K: Building Early Literacy Foundations

Pre-K is where the journey to reading and writing truly begins. Children explore letters, sounds, and simple words in a way that is playful and engaging. At this stage, spelling is phonetic, so a child may write frend for friend or sed for said. These early attempts show that children are hearing sounds clearly and connecting them to letters. Alongside phonics, children learn to form letters correctly, strengthening handwriting and early spelling skills. These foundations make the transition to Kindergarten seamless and exciting.

 

Kindergarten: Applying Skills with Confidence

In Kindergarten, children build on what they learned in Pre-K, using phonics to read and spell words while gradually learning common exception words like said, was, and the that do not follow typical patterns. Daily lessons and playful writing activities allow children to practice and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways. The focus is on helping children feel capable and independent, so reading and writing become skills they enjoy using every day.

 

Reading and Writing Go Hand in Hand

At NAISNY, reading and writing are taught together because each reinforces the other. As children learn new sounds, they practice forming the matching letters, connecting what they hear with what they write. This integrated approach builds strong literacy skills while giving children a sense of accomplishment. Families can support learning at home with simple activities like reading together, playing with rhymes, and encouraging children to sound out words.

 

“Nord Anglia has been life-changing for my child. The curriculum, particularly the phonics program, is like no other in New York City.”

NAISNY Parent

 

Confident, Independent Readers

By the end of Kindergarten, children are using their reading and writing skills independently and confidently. Our Pre-K and Kindergarten programs focus on curiosity, hands-on learning, and positive experiences with language. Children leave these early years not just prepared for the next stage of school but with a genuine love for reading and writing that will last a lifetime.

If you are looking for a high-quality Pre-K or Kindergarten program in NYC, NAISNY offers structured phonics, engaging lessons, and a supportive learning environment designed to help your child thrive.