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3. Make your own games such as match up by cutting out squares and writing a letter or word on one card (depending on child's age) with a corresponding picture on the other. Preschoolers can even help draw the pictures.

What child doesn't like to get their hands into things... well, okay there are some kids who hold their hands in the air and say 'Ick' when they get messy. But many young ones are tactile learners and love to play and discover various textures and mediums.

Use sand in a box to write letters.  Form letters using playdoh, plasticine, or cookie dough!  Scraps of yarn and string can be manipulated to make letters.  Add glitter or sprinkles to a shallow dish and ‘draw’ letters, shapes, or numbers with your fingers.  Use plastic shapes such as Lego or Megablocks to form letters.

Many of these strategies make for fun, interactive and inexpensive learning experiences while helping promote early literacy in the lives of your little ones.