7 Christian Preschool Reading Activities

As parents, we long to give our children a strong foundation, not just in academics, but in truth. Helping preschoolers become ready to read doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or overly academic. With a little creativity and a whole lot of grace, reading readiness can be joyful, faith-filled, and play-based.

Here’s the good news: your preschooler doesn’t need formal lessons to prepare for reading. Most young children learn best through hands-on, movement-rich, and meaningful play. And when you add Scripture and biblical truth into the mix? You’re planting seeds for a meaningful harvest that will last for eternity.

“Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds… Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road…” — Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Below are some of our favorite Christian preschool reading activities and preschool reading readiness activities that you can do from the comfort of your own home, most of which require simple supplies and a heart to disciple through play.

1. Tactile Letters and Scripture Truths

Help your child learn letter shapes using tactile materials, such as sand, fabric, felt, glue, and salt. Each time they trace a letter, speak truth over them.

📌 Try this: Trace the letter “G” and say, “G is for God—God is good and He made you wonderfully!” (Psalm 139:14)

CLICK HERE TO GRAB THIS FREEBIE FOR TACTILE LETTER CARDS.

2. Build-the-Alphabet Blocks: Foundation on the Rock

Stack wooden blocks or Duplos to create letters of the alphabet. As you build each letter, talk about how Jesus is our foundation and His Word is solid ground (Matthew 7:24).

🧱 Activity idea: Build the letter “J” for Jesus. Say a short prayer, like, “Jesus, thank You for helping us learn and grow.”

3. Nature Walk Alphabet Hunt

Take a nature walk and look for letter shapes in God’s creation—twigs in the shape of “Y,” rocks that look like “O,” etc.

🌿 Why it works: This is a fun literacy activity for preschool at home that gets them moving and connects God’s creation to letter recognition.

📌 Faith add-on: After the walk, thank God for the beauty of creation and the gift of learning new things (Romans 1:20).

For more outdoor learning inspiration, check out our favorite fun (and frugal) summer activities to do with your kids.

4. “A is for Ants” Bible Object Lessons

Using plastic ants or ant printables, explore the letter A and Proverbs 6:6:
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise.”

🐜 Activity idea: Make a paper trail of ants forming the letter “A.” Read the verse together and talk about how God teaches us through His creation.

5. Fabric Alphabet Fun: “Clothed in Letters, Clothed in Love”

Make these fabric letters and glue them onto cardstock. As you work, remind your preschooler of Colossians 3:12:
“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

🧵 Activity idea: Pick one character trait and a letter that matches it (e.g., “K is for Kindness”) and display it on the fridge.

DOWNLOAD THIS FREE FABRIC LETTER TEMPLATE.

6. Read-Alouds + Prayer Time

Build a routine of reading picture books aloud, followed by a short prayer. Choose books that reflect godly character, thankfulness, or creation.

📚 Why it works: Listening to stories expands vocabulary and comprehension, key components of reading readiness.

📌 Faith add-on: After reading, say something like, “God, thank You for giving us stories and helping us become good listeners.”

Looking for faith-based books? Here are some of our favorite preschool books that teach godly character.

7. Sing the Sounds: Praise and Phonics

Create silly songs for each letter sound (“B-b-bounce like a ball!”) and end with a praise song like “Jesus Loves Me.”

🎶 Why it works: Songs help children remember sounds and build phonemic awareness, an essential part of reading.

📌 Faith add-on: Remind your child, “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!” (Psalm 150:6)

If you’re just getting started, you’ll also love these 5 tips for teaching preschoolers.

Final Encouragement for Parents

Remember, God is not asking you to raise the fastest reader—He’s inviting you to disciple your child’s heart through everyday moments. These Christian preschool reading activities are not just helping your child prepare for reading, they’re planting Scripture and truth into their minds and hearts.

And remember—you don’t need to stress about curriculum or perfection. Here’s why preschool doesn’t need to be complicated.

Keep it simple. Keep it joyful. And keep pointing them back to the God who made them smart, curious, and ready to grow.