Introduction

How Infants and Young Children Learn

How to Support Your Child's Language Development

Getting Your Child Ready to Read

How to Keep Your Child Healthy and Safe

What You Need to Know if Your Child Has Special Needs

Federally Funded Research on Spanish-English Biliteracy

Getting Your Child Ready to Read

Frequently Asked Questions About Early Language and Literacy Development


1. What concepts are important to understand as I nurture and prepare my young child to read?

An important concept to remember is that children begin to learn at birth. You, the rest of your family, and other caregivers have a wonderful opportunity to mold your child's progress in acquiring the skills and experiences necessary to learn to read, as well as nurture the child's love for reading. That means your young child's future depends on your guidance and example from the very beginning.

Your child's opinions and ideas about reading are also largely based on learning from examples in daily life. Your child should see you reading for a variety of reasons-to obtain information, to learn new things and for pleasure and enjoyment-to demonstrate how important reading is. In addition, to be a successful reader your child must interact with and understand the surrounding world. Creating a positive reading environment for your child involves the nurturing of many skills critical to a child's ability to read.


2. How do my child's development and learning compare to that of most other children of the same age?

Parents are often very anxious to know if their child is "normal." When it comes to using language and learning to read, parents become especially concerned if their child's playmate seems to be more advanced than their own child. Children develop language and reading skills at somewhat different rates, so some children may develop skills later than others. If you are concerned about your child's language or reading development, you might want to consult your child's teacher, pediatrician or another professional familiar with child development, such as a psychologist or speech-language pathologist.

See also: How does my child's physical and mental progress compare to other children of the same age, and what can I do to help him progress?


3. What activities can I do with my child to help him or her get ready to learn to read?

Below is a list of activities you can incorporate into your normal routine that will help your child to be ready to read and ready to be successful when beginning kindergarten:

• Have high expectations for your children and express those expectations for achievement. Respond positively to your children's interest in and initiation of reading activities. Praise them for wanting to read and then read with them.

• Read to your child every day or as often as you can, beginning when the child is as young as six weeks. Very young babies enjoy looking at pictures as well as hearing the sound of your voice and looking at your face as you read. Babies will respond readily to positive facial expressions and eye contact as the parent or caregiver reads. As your baby gets older, he or she will enjoy seeing the pictures and hearing the words. Reading and playing with books is a wonderful way to spend special time with your child. Hearing words over and over helps the child become familiar with them. With regular shared reading, books will quickly become a part of the everyday routine and something the child looks forward to doing with you.

• Talk to your infant and toddler to help them learn to speak and understand the meanings of words. Point to objects that are nearby and describe them as you play and do daily activities together. Playing labeling games (such as asking, "Where is your nose, mouth, ear, etc?") and verbally labeling objects and events (for example, "Tony has the book." or "Lanita is on the seesaw.") are ways to increase both vocabulary and concept development. Encourage your children to use new vocabulary and talk in complete sentences. As they get older, encourage the correct pronunciation and use of language. Having a broad vocabulary gives a child a great start when entering school.

• Use sounds, songs, gestures and words that rhyme to help your baby learn about language and its many uses. Babies need to hear language from a human being who is responsive; television is not responsive and is just noise to a baby. When you are driving in the car, or riding on the bus or subway, and going about your daily routine, describe what you are seeing and experiencing. Changing your voice tone and inflection will keep the baby interested and alert.

• Point out the printed words in your home and other places you take your child. Spend as much time listening to your child as you do talking to him or her. When you are in a new place or doing something your child has never done before, talk about it, ask the child questions, elicit responses and react when the child tries to communicate by gesturing and making sounds. Encourage your child to use as many descriptive words as possible when telling a story or talking about feelings.

• Have reading and writing materials available in your home. Also take children's books and writing materials with you whenever you leave home. They will provide fun activities to entertain and occupy your child while traveling, going to the doctor's office or running other errands.

• Create a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write and draw. Keep books and other reading materials where your child can easily reach them. Develop a ritual that centers on reading, such as reading a favorite book before bedtime, visiting a library and keeping a family journal.

• Help your child see that reading is important. Set a good example for your child by reading books, newspapers and magazines. Show your child that you value literacy by reading for your own pleasure and education, by reading to your child and by encouraging your child to read.

• Limit the amount and type of television you and your child watch. Better yet, turn off the television and spend more time cuddling and reading books with your child. The time and attention you give your children have many benefits beyond helping them be ready for success in school.

References
Information compiled from "Parent's Guide to Emergent Literacy," The Early Literacy Initiative; and Reach Out and Read "Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy," Starting out Right, "Reading Tips for Parents," Partnership for Family Involvement

Special thanks
Frances Bessellieu, Chris Doherty