From baby babbling to early literacy
Literacy – the ability to read and write – is an important predictor of success. There’s a proven correlation between a child’s level of literacy and academic progress. Beyond academic progress, studies have largely confirmed that reading has a positive effect on overall mental and physical health. Researchers at The New School in New York City have found that reading — literary fiction, in particular — can even improve empathy. Children begin building early literacy skills in infancy: It’s never too early to start!
The link between libraries and literacy goes farther than simply borrowing books — there are lots of different ways that libraries can help build strong literacy in communities. Visiting the library isn’t just fun for the kids — it’s also a place where parents can equip themselves with the knowledge they need to foster early literacy for their children. Parent education is a crucial factor in early literacy.
There are five components of early literacy: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing. Babies learn by hearing words. When your baby babbles, talk back and continue the conversation. A recent study by the Canadian Pediatrics Society stresses the importance of reciprocal interaction for young children. This is why children’s shows like Blues Clues or Dora the Explorer ask straightforward questions of their audience and then pause, anticipating that whoever is watching will answer the question. It’s crucial for your children to respond and talk to you, not just to listen.
Songs are another joyful and important way to learn about language. Singing slows down language, which makes it easier for young children to hear and remember the different sounds in words. Easy options here are the alphabet song and nursery rhymes. Clapping along to songs helps stress the rhythm in different words. Library programs like Baby Time (every Monday) teach songs and rhymes that parents can practice with their babies at home.
Reading together with your child is the best way to help children get ready to read on their own. Read for short periods of time to babies, and longer periods as they get older. Reading and writing go together. Encourage your child to put ideas on paper — scribbling is the first step to writing, and it may become artwork too! Children also learn a lot about language through play. Not only is playing fun, the whole family can join in.
Parents can empower themselves and their children with regular visits to the library. To help children and families develop critical Early Literacy skills, the library has adopted Every Child Ready to Read, an early childhood literacy program developed by the American Library Association. All of the library’s weekly story times incorporate elements of Every Child Ready to Read, which you can practice at home on your own. Baby Time (for parents and caregivers with babies 18 months and younger) is Mondays at 2 p.m. at the Centennial Branch. Stories for 2s and 3s (for children ages 2 and 3) and Family Time (all ages) alternates Tuesdays and Wednesdays at both our Centennial Branch and our Crystal Ridge Branch – see our website, www.fepl.com, for further details.
Laura Trabucco is Community Engagement Librarian at Fort Erie Public Library