Did you know that early literacy development is an essential building block to your child’s future language, reading, and writing development and learning?
Early literacy is the foundation for speaking, reading, writing and general academic growth. Experiences that encourage children to listen, speak, read and write are fundamental to future literacy. These skills establish a child’s success in school and life.
Understanding Early Literacy
Early literacy begins in utero with listening.
- At 18 weeks of pregnancy, a child begins to hear their first sounds
- At 24 weeks, a child becomes sensitive to sound
- As more weeks pass, a child begins to differentiate voices
Sound recognition at early developmental stages provide lots of rich and engaging opportunities for listening. Differentiating between sounds is the first step on the path to language comprehension.
Spoken Language Comprehension
Reading stories, songs, books and poems to your child helps develop language comprehension.
- When listening to conversations, children internalize new vocabulary which enhances their ability to understand spoken language
- We can enrich language experiences for our child by having conversations with them
Reading Makes Us Empathetic
Research shows that the types of books we read can influence how we relate to others.
- Reading fiction helps us to understand and empathize with the thoughts and feelings of other people
- Children discover new experiences and new ways to connect with each other when reading
- Reading fiction can positively impact interpersonal interactions and inspire deep and meaningful relationships
- Reading is key in learning to understand ourselves, each other, and the world around us
Early Indicator of School Success
Reading Partners observes that in order for children to advance in subjects like math and science, students must be able to read, emphasizing the importance of these early learning opportunities. Practicing early literacy skills to ensure future success in reading, writing and lifelong learning.
Last edited September 21, 2022 by Senior Education Specialist Shelby Hiken.