Teaching Early Literacy

My 1-1/2 year old son was introduced to the letter “I” just one time and the rest is history. I can say, for certain, that  “I” is his favorite letter! He is consumed with exhilaration when he sees his “I” -- so much so that we all need to know that it is present. I knew -- from my experience with my daughter -- that I could not go wrong with teaching my son early on. He is just as bright as she is, so I wanted to utilize this time to indulge his mind.

Letter recognition is a stepping stone...

I noticed he had been picking up on the ABCs just from watching Sesame Street, so I decided to further encourage letter recognition. Why do this at such an early age? You would be amazed at the information little tykes soak up; they are sponges! This is an excellent time in their lives to learn, so what better time to instill early literacy?

There are six pre-reading skills children should possess prior to reading:

1. Print Motivation
2. Vocabulary
3. Letter Knowledge
4. Print Awareness
5. Narrative Skills
6. Phonological Awareness

As your child's first teacher, you can assist with building these pre-reading skills through some of the following:

• Trace letters with fingers
• Read aloud in a snuggle session
• Attend storytimes
• Play rhyming games and fingerplays
• Sing ABCs and other songs
• Provide alphabet games that introduce word and letter recognition and phonics, such as with the LeapFrog Fridge Phonics Magnetic Alphabet Set
• Clap syllables of words
• Introduce the author and illustrator, as well as the anatomy of a book
• Supply a rich stash of books from the library.

Our children imitate us. For example, my son now holds a book while “reading” aloud. He will finish the last page with “the end.” Remember, reading should be fun so make it that way! Before you know it, you will have a reading machine.

What is Early Literacy?

One of the simple pleasures in my life is taking my children to the local library's storytime programs, both preschool and tot times. Being that I was unable to take my daughter to her storytime this past Tuesday, she attended tot time today with her baby brother. Thursdays are open to wee ones, aged three and younger, for finger plays, songs, and stories. 

Library storytime is beneficial for many reasons. Children develop an interest in literacy (early literacy) and their library, associating both with a special time in their lives, in a secure and caring environment.

What is Early Literacy?

Early literacy is not necessarily the act of reading or writing. Rather, it is referred to what the child knows about literacy prior to learning how to read; it is the foundational building block that reading is built on. You could associate early literacy to literacy as preschool is to school -- preparation for the real thing.

What are ways you can build your child's foundation so that he or she will be ready to learn how to read? Stay tuned!

Introduction

It is with great pleasure to introduce to you this blog devoted to all-things related to children and reading. Children are sponges, quickly grasping concepts, if given the chance to learn. You will (eventually) find topics on reading games, children books, reading for literacy, reading activities, the importance of reading to children and more!

*          **          **          **          **          **          **          *

On a personal note, reading meant quite a bit to me growing up.  It was a means of escape from reality for a few hours at a time.  I looked forward to library day with the lines of books awaiting my discovery.  Perhaps this was not the adolescent norm, but it was for me being a shy child.  It was something I could relate to.

Fast forward to today -- I have children of my own.  Bouncing babies, I already made my plans to instill a love for the written word by reading aloud to them. I tenderly remember reading Goodnight Moon to my daughter when she was not more than 2 weeks old.  As the words flowed from my mouth, I looked at my daughter with great joy. This was something that we could share.

My plans - and desires - with this blog are many, so I do hope that you will stay tuned.  In the meantime, do not forget to read to a child - be it your own son or daughter, your niece, your nephew...any will do! :)  They will appreciate it, and you will enjoy the connection and snuggle time.

As always, make reading fun!