EARLY LITERACY TIP

by Bridget Dailey Youth Services Specialist

I love interacting with children through language and listening to their responses. If we pause and take the time to truly listen to what children have to share, we find that what they have to say can be such a hoot!

Children’s first teachers are their caregivers and they learn by talking and listening to others around them. Studies have shown that the more exposure to words at home, through conversation and song or rhyme, the more of a chance they have to become successful readers. By listening to words spoken aloud, children hear new words and their meanings, which leads to children eventually understanding that the words they read have meaning as well.

Try these activities to encourage talking with your child:

Play the game: “I Spy.” I like to play during dinner time. For babies and young toddlers, choose colors or shapes to spy. Babies also love to just hear your voice, so play and have fun!

Choose a story or rhyme to read together. The next night, try and repeat the story from memory. Add different characters. Instead of a mouse for “Hickory Dickory Dock”, ask your child what other type of animal they might choose.

Ask open-ended questions such as, “What was your favorite thing to do at storytime today?” Children can take a little longer to respond, so pause for 5 seconds to give them time to answer.

These tips were found through Every Child Ready to Read at: EveryChildReadytoRead.org.

Enjoy making beautiful conversations with your little ones!

STORYTIMES AT DCDL!

Storytime leaders will demonstrate and share about early literacy and ways to help their children get ready to read with books, songs, movement, music, fingerplays, rhymes, and storytelling!

Baby Storytime: Ages birth - 24 months

Toddler Storytime: Ages 2 - 4 years

Preschool Storytime: Ages 4 - 6 years

Family Storytime: Ages birth - 6 years

Check our online calendar for the most up-to-date schedule and to find the times that work for your family!