One of the first signs of your baby’s emergent literacy development is when they seem to understand what you are saying. And really, from the moment your baby begins to coo or babble, they are communicating. Remarkably, a baby’s brain possesses boundless potential; its capacity for storage is limitless.
So, the more varied and enriching experiences and conversations you provide your baby, the more their brain expands and advances. Early literacy includes the development of language, listening, speaking, viewing, reading and writing. Here are a few more ways to inspire your child’s early literacy development:
Infants
- Engage in conversation with your baby throughout the day by having conversations with them while describing what you are doing.
- Sing songs and read nursery rhymes to your baby.
Toddlers
- Provide opportunities for your toddler to write by scribbling on a large piece of paper with a jumbo or large crayon. Ask your toddler, “Can you tell me about the picture you drew?” or “What did you draw or write?”Next, draw a picture of a dog on your toddler’s paper. If your toddler tells you it is a dog, write the word“dog.” This supports their emergent literacy skills.
- Sing the song “I’m a Little Tea Pot” with your toddler. Encourage your toddler to learn to sing and move with each action in the song.
Preschoolers
- While you’re driving or riding on public transit, sing, read signs, and talk about the words you see in the environment, such as store and street signs. Ask your child, “Do you see the letters in the words on the sign?” This provides a fantastic way to expose your child to the alphabet and words.
- Read a book for 15 to 20 minutes with your child every day. This helps them learn to listen and builds their vocabulary.
More Early Literacy Resources
- The Division of Early Learning’s Florida Early Learning and Developmental Standards (FELDS) provide information on the progression of learning and development from birth to age five. The Language and Literacydomain has suggested activities that encourage your child’s communication and early literacy development. You can also talk with your child’s teacher about activities to do at home to support the skills they are currently learning in the classroom.
- Florida Commissioner of Education Manny Diaz, Jr.’s Commissioner’s Book of the Month promotes literacy and reading engagement while helping children succeed academically and in life through a monthly reading challenge.
