Early Literacy Begins with You!
Help your child get ready to read with these 5 simple activities:
Talking
Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words and information.
- Engage your child in conversations.
- Listen and respond.
- Use new words.
- Expand on what your child says.
- Speak to your child in the language that you know best.
Singing
Songs are a natural way for children to learn about language.
- Sing nursery rhymes and familiar songs. (Rhymes & Songs in other languages here!)
- Clap along to the rhythm.
- Use songs to reinforce vocabulary or concepts such as counting and the alphabet.
Reading
Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.
- Read everyday.
- Make it interactive – ask questions, talk about the pictures, predict the story’s ending.
- Follow your child’s interest.
- Let your child see you reading often.
Writing
Writing and reading go together. Scribbling and writing help children learn that written words stand for spoken language.
- Provide tools and opportunities to scribble and draw.
- Ask your child about his or her drawings and write down the stories.
- Point out signs and print all around you.
- Encourage your child to “sign” her name.
Playing
Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.
- Encourage dramatic play.
- Provide opportunities for unstructured play time.
- Interact with your child in their imaginative play.
Every Child Ready to Read® @ your library®, PLA and ALSC logos are registered trademarks of the American Library Association and are used with permission.