We all want to do whatever we can to support our children - and language and literacy lie at the heart of a child's learning and development. There are many simple ways of helping your child to develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. This book shows you how, with the emphasis on having fun and learning through play. Many of the suggestions revolve around games and other activities and most of them can easily be slotted into your daily routine. The book also uses simple terms to explain some of the 'technicalities' of reading and writing - such as the meaning and importance of 'mark-making', the role of phonics in literacy development and the difference between 'print' and 'joined-up' handwriting. For parents with children who have started school, there are also some tips on hearing reading and helping with spelling. Covering the child's language and literacy development from birth to starting school, this book will be an invaluable support throughout your child's pre-school years and beyond.