Literacy in kindergarten means learning to read BUT so much more! There are many other components of literacy. Children are learning; letter names and sounds, concepts about print, (example: letters make up words and words make sentences.), recognizing rhyme and producing rhyme, learning new vocabulary, sounding out words with phonemes (blending), and breaking apart words with phonemes (segmenting). Early literacy also includes listening comprehension skills such as main idea, key details, character(s), setting, and making inferences.
Phew! There's a lot going on for your new reader! So as you read or your child reads to you, take the time to find one of the above skills to revisit after the book is finished. Such as, "Can you tell me the main idea or retell this story?" "What is is mostly about?" "Can you point to each word as I read?" "Is there any part of the story where you can connect or have had experience?" Not all of it at once just a few quick questions.
Lastly, please remember when your child brings home his or her book bag that the books enclosed have been practiced at school several times and may appear "too easy" for your child. That's OK! The reason your child brings these books home is to build confidence as a new reader! You can always pick out different books at the local library or from your own bookshelf that may be a bit more challenging.
We want reading to be an enjoyable experience for you and your child. Have fun and as always, let me know how I can help!