2. Literacy Begins Before School: Why Kyne Starts So Early

Literacy Begins Before School: Why Kyne Starts So Early

In my last post, I shared the personal story behind Kyne — a journey marked by struggle, discovery, and a deep belief that learning should be inclusive from the start.

But what does “from the start” actually mean?

For many people, reading seems like something children begin learning in Reception or Year 1. But there’s a growing body of research — and lived experience — that says otherwise. Literacy doesn’t begin when a child picks up their first book. It begins long before that, in what researchers call the emergent literacy phase.

What is Emergent Literacy?

Emergent literacy refers to the early skills, behaviours, and understanding that children develop before they formally learn to read and write. This includes things like recognising sounds in spoken language, pretending to read by turning pages, or scribbling with meaning.

These early signs are more than just cute — they’re foundational.

The way a child plays with language, sounds, and symbols during their early years shapes how they’ll approach reading later on. And for some children, especially those with learning differences like dyslexia, this stage can quietly signal that support is needed — long before traditional assessments begin.

A Window of Opportunity

At Kyne, we believe the years from birth to five are not just important — they’re decisive. Too often, children who struggle with literacy are only identified once they’ve already fallen behind. By then, the challenges are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the interventions are more expensive — emotionally, educationally, and financially.

We want to flip that script.

Rather than waiting for children to fail, Kyne is designed to notice the signals of struggle earlier — when they can still be gently supported, redirected, or even prevented altogether. Our platform turns everyday play into a window on how children are developing literacy — from their first scribbles to their earliest sounds.

Why Scribbles Matter

A child’s first scribbles may seem random, but they’re often full of meaning. They’re a way of playing with shapes and symbols, testing ideas, and expressing thought — even if we adults can’t quite “read” them.

At Kyne, we take scribbles seriously.

Our play-based activities invite children to turn those scribbles into letter-like forms and eventually real letters. It’s fun, guided, and most importantly, it helps us understand how each child learns — before they encounter the frustration of falling behind.

Support for Every Child, Insight for Every Teacher

We call our teacher dashboard the “Class in Your Pocket.” It gives educators real-time insight into how children are progressing — and which children might need more support. For those with emerging literacy difficulties, it’s a chance to act early. For children who are thriving, it helps keep them challenged and engaged.

Either way, it saves teachers time and ensures no child is invisible.

Building a More Inclusive Start

When I think back to my own childhood, I realise my struggle with reading wasn’t inevitable — it was missed. Missed signs, missed opportunities, and a missed understanding of how I learned.

Kyne is built to make sure those early signs are seen.

By supporting emergent literacy through guided play and meaningful insight, we aim to change how — and when — children get the help they need. Because every child deserves to be understood early, not remediated late.

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Ray Staines is the founder of Kyne, a play-based EdTech platform focused on early literacy and neuro-inclusion. His journey through dyslexia and mental health fuels the mission to support every child, early and effectively.