Early Literacy   

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school.

Six Pre-Reading Skills

1. Vocabulary: Knowing the names of things. 
2. Print Motivation: Being interested in and enjoying books.
3. Narrative Skills: Being able to describe things and tell stories.
4. Print Awareness: Noticing print and knowing how to handle a book.
5. Letter Knowledge: Knowing letters are different from each other and knowing their names.
6. Phonological Awareness: Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.

For more information, please visit the American Library Association web site.

All it takes is 15 minutes a day! Check out readaloud.org.

Do you know the Ten Read-Aloud Commandments?...Popular author Mem Fox does! Check them out here.

Are you helping your little one get ready to read?

Here are some valuable websites to assist you:

Zero to Three: Early Literacy and Language Tips & Tools

A Parent's Guide to Helping Your Child Learn to Read

A Parent's Guide to Raising Ready Readers--and Keeping Them That Way

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has positive parenting tips and developmental milestones on their website for infants through adolescents:

Early Literacy Stations

Does your child enjoy playing with Early Literacy Stations at the library? 

Get more info about them here.