Supporting a child’s early literacy development is crucial. Children develop stronger vocabulary, greater reading comprehension, as well as more learning confidence in a language-rich environment. Here are ways caregivers and educators can create a strong learning atmosphere.
How to Boost Early Literacy Skills
Have Conversations
Whether children are talking or babies are babbling, respond to them. When a child points at something, describe what they are seeing. These everyday conversations, or ‘conversational turns,’ are key to boosting brain development.
Embrace Story Time
At storytime take it slow. Ask the children questions about the pictures and any objects they see in them. Encourage them to respond and elaborate.
Foster a Language Rich Environment
Early literacy skills are necessary tools for children to make sense of words and stories. The toolbox grows the more a child is exposed to a literacy-rich environment. Have books out that children can easily access. Put magnetic letters on the refrigerator. When children are exposed to words, they naturally want to learn more.
Make Daily Routines Learning Moments
Sing songs together, or sort out laundered socks by color and count them. Hunt for letters and words on food packages at the grocery store, or on signs along the roadway. This is a great way to bond with your child as well.
Pictures and Sounds
A child can learn just by looking at the visuals in a picture book. Help them to understand the story the pictures are telling. Teach kids how to recognize the sound of rhyming words and letters of the alphabet.
Let Us Prepare Your Child for Life Beyond Academics
Studies show that one of the most critical periods in child development and learning is from birth to age 5. Harbor Child Care is proud to celebrate over 50 years as an early childhood provider. Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can help.
