Early Literacy
It's never too early to think about literacy. Research on infant brain development shows that a child’s experience in the early years directly impacts later development and learning. With strong literacy skills, children can go further and succeed in school, find employment, obtain a higher income and live a happier life. Early literacy is everything children know about reading and writing before they can do it themselves.
Daily activities that increase literacy include:
- Reading - Read once a day even if it is only for a few minutes and reading a families favorite title that will deepen your child's understanding.
- Talking - Speak using your home language as this will be foundation needed to learn other languages and do not forget to speak slowly so your child can hear all the sounds.
- Play - Play can help children understand written words, develop language skills and gives them the opportunity to act out real life situations.
- Singing - Singing not only can sooth your child but develops listening skills, allows one to hear different parts of the word and your child will love hearing your voice.
- Write - When your child writes, draws, or forms letters ask them questions and ensure to make the task easy by providing thicker markers and paper. Explore other avenues to create letters such as sidewalk chalk, playing in the sand and even ketchup on a plate.
