What is Early Literacy?
It might seem like children don’t start building their literacy skills until they learn to read, but in fact the development of literacy skills begins at birth! We call these literacy skills, which children develop long before they are ready to read, “early literacy”.
Children with stronger early literacy skills have better foundations for beginning to read and write when they start school. They also have better foundations for being successful throughout their life. That’s why it’s so important to support the development of these skills.
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Early Literacy: 101
There are six early literacy skills that children need to develop before they can learn to read and write.
Early Literacy: Play
Play is one of the best ways to support your child in developing their early literacy skills.
Early Literacy: Read
Reading to your child is one of the easiest ways to teach them early literacy skills.
Early Literacy: Sing
Singing is one of the best ways for children to learn language.
Early Literacy: Talk
Talking to, and with, your child is one of the main ways to help them develop their language skills.
Literacy at Home
Literacy at Home: Free Play Resouces
We all know that play is a valuable part of childhood, but did you know that play is actually a critical part of a child’s learning, development, and well-being? It’s true! We have two free resources to help you support your child in playing and learning!
Literacy at Home: Parts of a Book
A simple, easy to do early literacy activity that promotes the development of reading skills is to teach children the parts of a book.
Literacy at Home: Picture Basket
An important part of child development and early literacy is the encouragement and nurturing of a child’s imagination. This activity will encourage children to think about key ideas in a story through the use of “who, what, where, when, and why” questions, while stimulating their creative and imaginative side.
Books to Build Early Literacy Skills
Early Literacy Kits
Each kit includes 10 books, along with related materials like puzzles, puppets, or CDs, and suggestions for crafts and activities.