Research has proven that there is a link between early literacy skills and future academic and career success. Learning to read does not start in preschool or kindergarten. Teaching early literacy skills can start as early as day one and can be as simple as opening up a book! Below are ten easy and fun strategies you can use with your children from birth and beyond!
1. Start early and read often
When our daughter was born, my husband and I made it a huge priority to read to her every single night. Reading early can help develop the roots of language in a baby’s brain. Make reading every night before bed a routine early on and it will become second nature.
2. Listen to music
Music is not only an excellent way to introduce babies to rhymes, but research has shown that music can improve reading skills. Listening to music increases the ability to understand language patterns as well as the ability to discriminate between different sounds. That is just one of the reasons music is always on in our house.
3. Read and reread
Rereading a book can help children develop language and literacy skills. It can help them to improve their vocabulary and comprehension. Let your child choose what to read, even if you read Goodnight Moon every night for the past two weeks. Nothing is better than a tattered, well-loved book!
4. Talk about it
Talking with your child builds vocabulary. Talk about the books you read with your child. Ask them questions after reading. What color was the cat’s hat? Did that story remind you of anything? Define unknown words and encourage critical thinking.
5. Notice letters everywhere
As a reading teacher, my daughter has constant exposure to letters. She loves noticing letters on clothing, in the store, and in print. Ask your child to name that letter and when they get older, ask them to name the sound.
6. Take advantage of your local library
Don’t have books at home? The library is a book-lover’s dream! We are so lucky to have such an amazing library system here in Fort Wayne that offers storytime multiple times per week at each branch. Check out story time, then check out some books before you head home!
7. Don’t forget phonological awareness
Yes, teaching letter names and sounds is wonderful, but it is so important to teach children how to recognize rhymes, syllables, and even manipulate words. See a dog outside? Ask your child to tell you the sound “dog” starts with! Find more tips on phonological and phonemic awareness here.
8. Books, alphabet magnets, and flashcards- oh my!
Keep books around the house. Make them easily accessible. Also, alphabet magnets, letter books, flashcards, and “busy books” are all engaging, different ways promote letter recognition.
9. Make reading fun
Reading should never be a chore and should be something the whole family looks forward to. Show excitement towards reading. Create a special reading space, act out stories, and draw pictures to go along with what you read.
10. Don’t forget to read too!
Modeling is such an important educational strategy. If you don’t think reading is important, it is very possible your child will not either. Don’t just read to your child; read because it is something you love. Talk about what you are reading. A story at bedtime isn’t just for kids!
Raising an early reader is one of the most rewarding things you can do as a parent. Not only will your child develop a love of reading, but they will also reap the many benefits of being a good reader, such as improved vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills.
Sources:
Lin, C. H. (2001). Early Literacy Instruction: Research Applications in the Classroom. https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/early-literacy-development/articles/early-literacy-instruction-research-applications
National Education Association (2021). Raising Readers: What Parents Can Do. https://www.nea.org/professional-excellence/student-engagement/tools-tips/raising-readers-what-parents-can-do
Parlakian, R., & MacLaughlin, S. S. (2019). Read Early and Often. https://www.zerotothree.org/resource/read-early-and-often/#:~:text=Reading%20together%20when%20babies%20are,even%20before%20he%20can%20talk
Reading Horizons (2010). The Connection Between Music, Reading, and Language Development. https://www.readinghorizons.com/blog/post/2010/03/22/the-connection-between-music-reading-and-language-development
Reading Rockets (2012). 10 Things You Can Do to Raise a Reader. https://www.readingrockets.org/article/10-things-you-can-do-raise-reader
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