Early Literacy Skills
Early Literacy skills are naturally embedded in many playful activities you likely already do with your child.
Below are some some small steps you can take to intentionally create rich literature experiences for your child.
Explore Language
SING - Through music, the brain is stimulated, additions are made to your child’s growing vocabulary bank and children are exposed to the sound patterns/beat in the music. Research has shown an overlap in the brain connections for music and reading. Some favorite songs include: Willoughby Wallaby Woo, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, I’m a Little Teapot, ABC Song, and If You’re Happy and you Know It.
RHYME - Rhyming helps your child make connections between word parts and develop an ear for language. In addition to playing some simple rhyming games (Can you think of a word that rhymes with top?), familiar nursery rhymes are also a great way to emphasize rhyme. Some favorites include: Hickory Dickory Dock, Itsy Bitsy Spider, 5 Little Monkeys, Rain, Rain Go Away, One Potato, Two Potato and London Bridge is Falling Down.
HAND CLAPS - The hand claps we did with a friend growing up like, “Ms. Mary Mack, Mack, Mack…” are still so much fun! Hand claps are another way to match word/syllable to the beat and help children to visualize word parts.
TELL A STORY - Not only does this build connection and have many literacy benefits, it is also an opportunity to talk about challenging things. “I remember when I was your age and the girls did not save me a seat at the lunch table. I felt really sad. Do you ever feel like that?” Stories are an excellent way to open the door for conversation.
Explore Books
REPEATED READINGS- You may notice that your child loves to read the same books over and over again. Children learn through repetition. It can take several exposures to a new word for a child to adopt that word into their vocabulary. The familiarity of a well-loved story can provide comfort and routine. With each read, your child is comprehending the story on a deeper level, building confidence and fluency.
PICTURE WALK- Even tiny babies can look at pictures in books and begin creating meaning in what they see. Toddlers can look at the pictures and tell the story with words. Wordless picture books are incredibly detailed and ignite imagination. Dialogue with your child about the story. Did they have the same interpretation as you? The Good Dog,Carl books are a favorite wordless picture book collection.
Explore Print
GROCERY LISTS- Invite your child to help you draw a picture of items you need to get from the store (apples, bananas, pasta). Can they write the letter that represents the sound the word starts with? How can they organize their thoughts in a list format just like you?
CARDS- Would your child like to mail a letter to a friend? Grandparent? What will they draw/write? Let your child see how you address the envelope. Maybe they will get a letter in return.
NAMES- Your child’s name is likely in many places at home. Look at the names of the people in your family. What does your child notice about their own name? Can they write it? Do they have any of the same letters in their name as their siblings?
LOGOS- As you are on the move, point out print you notice in the world. Can your child notice any print? Do they recognize familiar signs/logos (Target bullseye, LEGO logo, Nike swoosh, etc.)
