A child’s first teacher is the parent or guardian and a home rich in spoken and written language will strengthen your child’s literacy skills.
Literacy is the ability to read, write, listen and speak. The term “early literacy” describes the knowledge, skills and dispositions that precede learning to read and write. These early literacy skills are a natural part of early childhood: As our children interact with the world around them they are literally soaking up language. There are also many ways that parents can support and expand upon this learning that is already taking place.
First of all, have fun! Play with sounds, letters and words. Having fun is the best way to make early literacy meaningful and enjoyable. Here are some things you can do at home to work on literacy skills and share the joy of reading with your child.
Read from Day 1. Start a reading routine in those very first days with a newborn. Even very young babies respond to the warmth of a lap and the soothing sound of a book being read aloud. You can even read aloud the novel that you are reading; your infant will just enjoy the sound and rhythm of your voice.
Share books every day. Read with your child every day, even after he becomes an independent reader. Keep a book basket in your living room!
Reread favorites. Most children love to hear their favorite stories over and over again. Rereading books provides an opportunity to hear or see something that may have been missed the first time, and provides another chance to hear a favorite part. Children will start to remember and recognize familiar words and may begin to start reading these favorite books on their own. The familiarity with a book helps your child to develop a positive self-image as a reader.
Send positive messages about the joys of literacy. Your own interest and excitement about books will be contagious!
Visit the library early and often. Public libraries are great resources for books, helpful advice about authors and illustrators, story times and more. Make visiting the library part of your family’s routine. Bookstores also usually have fun children’s sections and story times.
Find the reading and writing in everyday things. Take the time to show your child ways that adults use reading and writing every day. Grocery lists, notes to the teacher, maps and cooking all involve important reading and writing skills.
Give your reader something to think and talk about. There are many different types of books available to readers. Vary the types of books you check out from the library, and seek out new subjects that give you and your reader something to think and talk about.
Talk, talk, talk. A child’s vocabulary grows through rich conversations with others. No matter your child’s age, narrate what you’re doing, talk in full sentences and sprinkle your conversations with interesting words.
Know your stuff. Parents don’t need to be reading specialists, but it is important to understand the basics about learning to read.
Speak up if something doesn’t feel right. Parents are often the first ones to recognize a problem. If you have concerns about your child’s development, speak with your child’s teacher and your pediatrician. It’s never too early to check in with an expert.
Silly songs. Sing songs, read rhyming books, and say silly tongue twisters. This help children start to hear the individual sounds in words.
Letters and sounds. Help your child learn the names of the letters and the sounds the letters make. You can even make a game out of it. “I spy something that starts with the sound mmmmm.”
Write it. You can trace with fingers in a plate of sand or shaving cream. Provide writing and drawing materials such as paper, markers and pencils. Don’t forget the importance of scissors. Allowing a young child to use scissors will greatly strengthen and improve their pencil grip.
Remember, though, that the most important thing you can do to enhance your child’s early literacy skills is by modeling and sharing a joy and excitement for reading.
Happy Reading!
The tips provided from Reading Rockets website, http://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-things-you-can-do-raise-reader, were adapted and expanded on.
Jamie Gustine teaches at Children’s House of Durango, a Montessori preschool and kindergarten. Reach her at jamie@childrenshouseofdurango.com.
