What recommendation should a teacher make to parents of a child who recognizes letters and some common words?

The recommendation for teachers to suggest that parents start pointing out letter-sound associations in familiar words aligns well with developmental literacy practices. At this stage, the child has a foundational understanding of letters and some common words, which provides a prime opportunity to deepen their phonemic awareness. By connecting the sounds that letters make to words that the child encounters in their everyday environment, parents can effectively build the child's reading skills.

Introducing letter-sound associations can help children decode new words, enhancing their overall reading fluency. For instance, when parents emphasize the sounds that accompany the letters in words like "cat" or "dog," they're not only reinforcing knowledge of the alphabet but also helping the child link these sounds to actual spoken language, facilitating smoother transitions to reading more complex texts.

This method supports the natural progression into reading, encouraging exploration and learning without overwhelming the child with unfamiliar material. It promotes engagement with literacy in a practical, meaningful way—making reading a more interactive and enjoyable experience.