Early Literacy
The importance of early literacy
Early literacy is the foundation for all future learning. It is the ability to understand and use spoken and written language. Children who are proficient in early literacy skills are more likely to succeed in school and in life. By providing your child with the opportunity to develop early literacy skills, you are giving them a head start in life.
How you can help a child:
There are many things that parents and caregivers can do to help their children develop early literacy skills. These include:
- Reading to children every day: Even before your child can understand the words, they can enjoy the sound of your voice and the rhythm of the language.
- Talking to children about what they are reading: Ask them questions about the story and encourage them to make predictions about what will happen next.
- Singing songs and rhymes with children: This helps them develop their vocabulary and learn about different cultures.
- Playing word games with children: This helps them develop their phonological awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate the sounds of language.
- Taking children to the library: Libraries like Placer County Library offer a wide variety of books, storytimes, and other literacy programs for children of all ages. Find out where our storytimes are here!
- Enrolling children in early literacy programs: There are many programs available that can help children develop their early literacy skills.
Additional tips for developing early literacy skills
- Start reading to your child as soon as possible. Even before your child can understand the words, they can enjoy the sound of your voice and the rhythm of the language.
- Choose books that are appropriate for your child's age and interests.
- Make reading a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you.
- Talk to your child about what they are reading. Ask them questions about the story and encourage them to make predictions about what will happen next.
- Visit your local public library regularly. Public libraries offer a wide variety of books, storytimes, and other literacy programs for children of all ages.
- First 5 California’ Parent Guide: What you need to know to help your child grow up healthy and thrive
- Children’s Home Society of CA Family Education Program: download brochures and other resources on topics including: Positive Discipline, School Readiness, When a Child Bites, STEM, and more. Materials are available in multiple languages.
- Placer County Office of Education (PCOE) – Early Childhood Education page for parents: The Early Childhood Education department of PCOE provides many resources for both parents and early childhood educators. Their various programs are aimed at extending the knowledge of teachers throughout Placer County, in addition to providing valuable information for parents. Here, teachers can sign up for trainings and workshops and parents can find more information in regards to receiving childcare and get a more in-depth look on the many programs they offer.