Did you know that a child’s love of reading starts at birth? As a parent or a childcare provider, there are many ways that you can help your baby, toddler, or preschooler discover the magic of books.
Not sure how to get your child ready to read? The Association for Library Service to Children and the Public Library Association recommend focusing on these simple 5 practices every day:
- Reading
- Writing
- Talking
- Singing
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Playing
So take a deep breathe! You're probably doing some or all of these things with your child on a regular basis. If there's one on the list that is missing from your everyday routine, start incorporating that activity in a natural way that works for you and your child.
Here are a few specific things that you can do at home to help foster your child’s early literacy skills:
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Begin reading books together early – even when your child is a newborn.
- Encourage your child to hold the book and turn the pages when you read together.
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Point out letters and words on everyday objects, like labels, signs, lists, and menus.
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Let your child see you reading.
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Encourage your child when she pretends to read.
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Talk with your child throughout the day. This experience exposes your child to lots of new vocabulary.
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Don’t worry if you don’t have perfect pitch. Sing! Sing! Sing!
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After you read a book together, talk to your child about what happened in the story. Talking about the story and the pictures will help your child learn more words.
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Encourage your child to tell you a story about a picture she has drawn.
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Visit your public library often. Librarians love to recommend books to share with your children!
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Attend storytimes at your public library. These programs use books, rhymes, and music to make reading a fun, interactive experience.
This early literacy information is based on the “Every Child Ready to Read” initiative. “Every Child Ready to Read” is a joint project of the Public Library Association and the Association for Library Service to Children. You can visit the ECRR website for more information: http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/ecrr/ecrrhomepage.cfm