According to Teresa Byington, associate professor of early childhood education, University of Nevada, “We can help our children develop their phonemic awareness and the best way is to play games with them as part of regular, daily routines.” Literacy experts tell us that reading and writing skills begin with the language skills of speaking and listening. As children develop language, their skills grow more and more refined. So, in the early years, even though they may be using words, they are not necessarily hearing the individual sounds in words—the phonemes. We can help our children develop their phonemic awareness, and the best way is to play games with them as part of regular, daily routines. Michigan State University Extension has gathered a few games that can easily be played when you are waiting in line at the grocery store, riding in the car or just hanging around.