Why is it important to make reading a habit with kids that haven’t even started school yet? The truth is that children start to develop early literacy skills from birth! There are five simple practices that parents and caregivers can use with young children to help get them ready to read.
The first is talking. Babies and young children are sponges for vocabulary. Studies have shown that children whose parents speak to them most often have a great advantage when it comes to overall language development.
Singing also helps build language skills. It helps children learn to listen and can slow down the words so they get more time to process the language. And don’t worry if you’re not a good singer! Your baby or toddler does not expect you to sound like Frank Sinatra or Aretha Franklin.
Read with your child! While they can’t read yet and may not understand what you’re saying, it’s important for them to hear more words and see reading practiced. You can teach young children that we read from left to right, top to bottom and that you turn the page when you get to the bottom. Also, you’re helping them start to build a habit.
Once children are a little older, start to practice writing with them. Reading and writing go hand and hand; each can help develop the other. It also helps them develop their motor skills.
The last practice is play! Free play allows children to use their imaginations and creative thinking skills and gives them a chance to practice some vocabulary that may not fit into their everyday activities.
Connect with early literacy at the Buda Public Library!
