Early Literacy vs. Enrichment: What Should Come First for Preschoolers?
As parents, we all want to give our children the best opportunities to thrive. Enrichment classes like team sports, art, and music help children develop holistically, fostering skills like teamwork, creativity, and attention to detail. However, if your preschooler is struggling with early literacy—like reading, writing, or spelling—then literacy intervention may need to take priority to ensure they don’t fall behind.
Why Is Early Literacy Important?
Early literacy skills form the foundation for all future learning. Preschoolers who develop these essential skills—like letter recognition, reading comprehension, and vocabulary—are better equipped to succeed in school. Literacy impacts everything from listening and comprehension to the ability to express thoughts clearly in writing. When children have strong literacy skills, they can actively engage in group discussions, complete assignments with confidence, and continue to build on their knowledge as they grow.
However, for some preschoolers, the struggle with early literacy can prevent them from keeping up with their peers. This gap can lead to frustration, low self-esteem, and an aversion to learning. If left unaddressed, this gap may grow wider, affecting their motivation and overall academic success.
When Should Intervention Come First?
As parents, you might notice your child avoiding reading, writing, or spelling tasks. If your preschooler continues to struggle despite extra support from teachers or participation in small-group instruction, it may be time to reconsider priorities.
While enrichment programmes are valuable, they should not replace essential literacy intervention. For children with significant early literacy challenges, focusing on literacy intervention first can help them build the foundation they need to succeed in other areas later on.
The Power of Early Literacy Intervention
Research shows that early literacy intervention provides long-term benefits. When children receive targeted support early on, they gain the skills they need to overcome challenges and succeed academically. For preschoolers who struggle, prioritising literacy intervention can make all the difference in their future learning experiences.
What You Can Do
If your child is struggling with reading, writing, or spelling, it’s important to seek support from an expert who can tailor strategies to your child’s needs. Consider reaching out to a professional educational therapist or a programme that specialises in dyslexia intervention and other learning differences. To help assess your child’s progress, you can explore our Preschool Literacy Challenges Checklist here.
Join Us for the DAS Preschool Seminar 2025!
Want to dive deeper into early literacy intervention strategies? Weng Yiyao, DAS Preschool Programme Manager & Lead Educational Therapist, will be speaking at the DAS Preschool Seminar 2025 on 17 March (Monday). Don’t miss this chance to learn directly from her and other experts voices!
DAS Preschool Programme Manager and Lead Educational Therapist
About The Author
Weng Yiyao is the Lead Educational Therapist and Preschool Programme Manager at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS). With over a decade of experience, she specialises in supporting preschoolers with dyslexia through targeted literacy interventions. Passionate about empowering young learners, Yiyao is also a fellow of the Register of Educational Therapists Asia (RETA) and holds a Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs.
Yiyao will be presenting at the pre-seminar session of the Preschool Seminar 2025, sharing proven strategies to build strong literacy foundations in young learners. Attendees will gain practical tips to support struggling preschoolers both at home and in the classroom, equipping them with essential skills for long-term literacy success.
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