Here at NWRLS, we want to support all caregivers in their endeavors to teach their children how to read. That’s why we created this comprehensive guide full of early literacy tips, booklists, and resources that will help you grow your budding reader. Reading is a vital part of your child’s education, and we want to make sure you have all the tools you’ll need to help your child learn and love to read.
Visit the online Current Event Guide to view in-person Early Literacy programming offered at your location. Some may be capped at attendance totals. Contact your library location for more information!
What is Early Literacy?
Early literacy, also called emergent literacy, is what children know about reading and writing before they can read and write. This stage typically lasts from birth until around age 6 or 7.
Showing interest in books, beginning to comprehend stories and recognize letters, and making marks to represent actions and objects are all examples of early literacy.
Why is Early Literacy Important?
Early literacy is the foundation on which all future learning happens. The acquisition of language and reading skills during the early stages of childhood plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s school readiness and sets the stage for lifelong learning.
Providing young children with positive opportunities to develop early literacy skills will not only prepare them to be strong readers and writers, but also foster a lifelong love for reading and learning.
How Can I Support Early Literacy?
You are your child’s first and most important teacher. Supporting early literacy involves creating a language-rich environment, engaging children in meaningful literacy activities, and providing them with the necessary support and resources.
The parent education initiative Every Child Ready to Read® has identified five simple yet effective practices that are easy to do with children of all ages and can be done anywhere you and your child spend time together.
These include:
Talking
Talking with children helps them learn oral language, one of the most critical early literacy skills. Children learn about language by listening to parents talk and joining in the conversation.
Singing
Singing develops language skills. It slows down language so children can hear the different sounds in words. It also helps them learn new words and information.
Reading
Shared reading is the best way to help children get ready to read. Reading together develops vocabulary and comprehension, and helps children associate books and reading with people they love, which motivates them to read more. Reading aloud to children also helps strengthen their imaginations and build their curiosity.
Writing
Writing and reading go together. Both represent spoken language and communicate information. When children are given a chance to explore making marks, scribbling, drawing pictures, and telling stories, they are practicing reading skills. Using crayons and glue sticks help develop fine motor skills, preparing your child for writing.
Playing
Play helps children express themselves and put thoughts into words. When children pretend, they’re thinking symbolically, which helps them to understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.
Early Literacy Tips
Make reading a part of your daily routine. Establishing a routine helps ensure that reading is part of your daily schedule, such as at naptime and bedtime. It also creates times during the day that both of you can look forward to.
Take turns with your toddler. By age 2, toddlers can hold a book and point at the pictures. Let your toddler turn the pages of a board book and respond to her when she points or reacts to the story.
Ask your child questions. As you read to your child, make the experience interactive by asking him questions, such as “What do you think will happen next?” “What was your favorite part of the story? Why?”
Have your preschooler tell you the story. By age 5, children can sit still for longer books and can create their own stories based on the pictures. Ask your preschooler to tell you the basic plot of the book or to make up stories based on what he sees on each page.
Sing together. Singing is a great way to learn new vocabulary and help children understand sentence structure by slowing the language down. Try to sing songs about everyday routines such as getting dressed, washing hands or making breakfast.
Talk it out. Your baby is learning words even before he/she can say them. Talk to your baby. Explain the things you are doing together.
Make car time fun. Play word games as you drive. Pick a letter and see how many words you can name that begin with its sound.
Book Lists
Community Resources
Click to view resources and websites geared to increasing early literacy.