Early literacy begins at birth

What is early literacy?
Early literacy skills are the concepts that children learn about reading and writing before they can fully do so. This includes knowing the shapes and sounds of letters, understanding that print has meaning and knowing the names for things.

Why is it important?
Early literacy skills help children reach kindergarten readiness benchmarks such as literacy, math, social skills and self-regulation.

Exposure to conversations and stories also helps children understand different points of view. By engaging with books and language, you will help your child have positive experiences with these foundational principles. This will help them develop the motivation they need to become readers on their own.

Everyday ways to support your child

It doesn't take special equipment to build early literacy skills.

The best support you can give your child is through five simple practices. Visit our YouTube channel to watch short videos about each one.

• Read: Share books to get your child excited about reading.
• Talk: Build your child’s vocabulary.
• Sing: Emphasize language patterns through rhythm, rhyme and movement.
• Write: Develop fine motor skills through scribbling and coloring.
• Play: Help children make sense of their world.