Spilling the Secrets to Early Literacy
For young children , learning to read is a critical step in their educational journeys , as literacy helps build cognitive abilities and language proficiency and has a direct impact on later academic achievement .
While there are no shortcuts to early literacy , there are steps parents can take to promote the development of children ’ s reading abilities . Dr . Lauren Loquasto , senior vice president and chief academic officer at The Goddard School , and Steve Metzger , award-winning author of more than 70 children ’ s books , share this guidance for parents .
GET STARTED EARLY
It ’ s never too early to start reading with children . In fact , they respond to being read to prenatally . One of the best ways to encourage early literacy is modeling the act of reading . Young children love to imitate , and if they see their parents reading , they are more likely to want to read themselves . Instead of scrolling on your phone or watching television while your children play , pick up a book or magazine .
USE CONVERSATION TO BUILD LITERACY
To help build their vocabularies , consistently engage children in conversation . Literacy is more than reading and writing ; it ’ s also listening and speaking . Children understand words before they can articulate them , so don ’ t be discouraged if it feels like a one-way conversation .
EXPOSE CHILDREN TO MORE THAN BOOKS
Make your home environment print-rich , as the more exposure children have to letters and words , the better . For example , keep magnetic letters and words on the fridge , put labels on your toy containers and position books and magazines in different rooms . Also remember reading isn ’ t limited to books . Words are everywhere , from street signs to restaurant menus . Take advantage of every opportunity to connect with your children through words throughout your day .
LET THEM TAKE THE LEAD Children engage with books in different , developmentally appropriate ways . Some children quickly flip through pages or only look at pictures while others might make up stories or their own words or songs . Some only want to read the same book over and over and some want to read a new book every time . Embrace and encourage their interest in books , no matter how they choose to use them .
ESTABLISH A ROUTINE Parents of young children often have busy and hectic lives , so it isn ’ t always easy to find time to read . Consistency is key , so be intentional about setting aside time for reading every day – perhaps it ’ s after dinner or before bedtime – and stick to it .
SELECT THE RIGHT BOOKS
Helping young children choose books is an important part of their learning-to-read process . Developmental appropriateness is critical . For infants and toddlers , start with nursery rhymes , which are mini-stories that grasp children ’ s attention through repetition , rhythm and rhyming . Visuals are also important because they aren ’ t yet pulling words off the page . For emerging readers , choose books that align with their interests . Focus on books that are printed with text that goes from left to right and top to bottom .
Expose children to both fiction and non-fiction books . Non-fiction provides real-world knowledge children crave and helps them make sense of what they read in fictional stories . For example , the learnings about the life cycle of a bat they read in “ Bat Loves the Night ,” a non-fiction book , can help them better understand what ’ s happening in “ Stellaluna ,” a fiction book about a young bat .
If you ’ re in doubt about book choices , consult with a teacher or librarian , who can make recommendations based on your children ’ s interests and reading levels .
FOSTER A LOVE OF READING Children ’ s early exposure to books can set the stage for a lifetime of reading . Make reading a time for discovery . Take children to a library or bookstore and encourage them to explore and find books on their own . Display genuine interest in their selections and use books as a tool for engaging and connecting with them . Don ’ t pressure children to learn how to read . Accept , validate and encourage them as they progress on their unique literacy journeys .
To watch a webinar recording featuring Loquasto and Metzger providing additional literacy guidance and recommendations , and access a wealth of actionable parenting insights and resources , visit the Parent Resource Center at GoddardSchool . com .
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