Early literacy is the basis for future success in reading. This blog deals with the importance of early literacy and some tips for reading with children.
Infants:
- Talk and sing to your baby when you change his diaper, give him a bath, feed him lunch, or join him in play.
- Help increase your baby’s vocabulary by asking “What’s that?” or “Where’s the dog?” when looking at and enjoying books together.
Toddlers:
- Read stories before bedtime. It makes a good transition between active play and rest time.
- Take short trips to new places and talk about what is happening around you.
Preschoolers:
- Encourage preschool children to carry out steps to written recipes or to look at labels.
- Play picture-card games with your child.
- Point out words on signs.
Primary grade children:
- Continue to read with your child even if he has already learned to read.
- Visit the library on a regular basis.
- Show children that you read books and magazines for information and enjoyment.
(Adapted from National Association for The Education of Young Children)
