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EARLY LITERACY
An enchanted forest, a princess’ palace, the rocky surface of the moon … children can visit the most amazing places when they read books with their parents and caregivers. Not only is reading fun, research shows young children who spend time reading with their families enter kindergarten better prepared. In fact, findings released from a First 5 Monterey County study to assess local children’s school readiness levels at kindergarten entry found that reading had a considerable impact. Children whose parents read to them at least once a week entered kindergarten more prepared and ready to learn. They had higher developmental competencies in communication, learning skills, cognition, and general knowledge. Those who were read to more often had even higher gains.
First 5
Read aloud: Read aloud with your child to help stimulate his or her mind, develop verbal skills and build vocabulary.
Encourage early learning: Children are born ready and able to learn. It is never too early to start reading together.
Ask questions: Engage your child by asking questions that relate to the story you are reading together. Ask your child to point to certain colors or objects.
Decide to read daily: Studies have shown that children who are read to daily begin to develop both communication and thinking skills at a much younger age. Commit to reading together every day to help your child develop the skills necessary to enter school more prepared.
Take a trip to the library: Visit your local library for a free way to read and enjoy the latest book titles. Involve your child by letting him or her choose the books you read together.
Offer age-appropriate books: The types of books you choose should increase in difficulty as your child ages. For babies and toddlers, begin with books that have brightly-colored, simple pictures and feature familiar names and objects. As your child approaches preschool age, read books with more complex words, repetition and rhyme.
Make reading fun: Help instill a love of reading in your child by making reading fun. Take reading beyond the book by writing (and reading) your own story together or acting out scenes from your favorite book.
Enjoy reading everywhere: Show your child that the joy of reading is not limited to books. Read labels and store signs aloud while grocery shopping. Make-up stories during long car rides and share information about your family while looking through picture albums.
Remember, childhood doesn’t last forever but the experience lasts a lifetime. Read, talk and play with your child every day.
Please visit the resources below for additional tips on early literacy.
Helpful tips to understand how children begin learning to read. Includes information on the types of books young children enjoy at different ages and stages.
Suggestions to help build early literacy skills in babies, toddlers and preschoolers.
Reach Out and Read
A national program promoting literacy in families. Below are some links to helpful resources on their website.
What Children Like in Books http://www.reachoutandread.org/FileRepository/WhatChildrenLikeinBooks.pdf
Reading Tips http://www.reachoutandread.org/FileRepository/ReadingTips.pdf’
Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy http://www.reachoutandread.org/FileRepository/RORmilestones_English.pdf
Book Recommendations http://www.reachoutandread.org/about_list.html