Give kids a great start on literacy
Reading is the gateway to all other learning. More than 30 years of research affirm that parent involvement from birth to age 5 is paramount in giving a child a great start in literacy. Since learning to read is directly related to a child’s language skills, parents build their children’s early language skills of listening, vocabulary and sound awareness by simply reading with them.
Bedtime stories, bath stories and favorite nursery rhymes all support early literacy. Parents also can provide more formal reading activities as children grow, such as talking about letters, pointing to individual words in a storybook and using pictures to predict the content of a book. Simply stated, early reading experiences with parents and caregivers prepare children for formal literacy instruction. Parents who introduce their babies to books give them a head start in school by developing an interest in reading.
Recent research has confirmed what educators have known for decades — parent involvement in early literacy activities has a greater impact than any other family background variable, including socioeconomic status, parent level of education, size or make-up of family.
The studies show that the earlier parents become involved in their children’s reading and literacy activities, the more profound and the longer lasting the effects. So, what does this mean for parents? They have a significant role in their child’s early learning, particularly in the area of reading. We know that children who succeed in reading experience higher levels of success in other academic areas. So start today by reading to your infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Talk, sing and share nursery rhymes. Add a special place in your home for books to stress their importance.
Parents, grandparents and caregivers can all access a wealth of resources in Oklahoma City to support literacy success. Public schools and Smart Start Central Oklahoma offer free and fun early learning training and provide free toys, books and materials at dozens of elementary schools and community locations. Our Metropolitan Library System offers free access to books and wonderful engaging programs for parents, babies, toddlers and preschoolers. Many childcare centers also offer literacy components.
November is Family Literacy Month and an opportunity for all of us to support literacy in our great state. If you are parenting little people in the Oklahoma City metro area, sign up for Early Birds classes and visit your library. Do your part to improve literacy in Oklahoma by volunteering, making a time or monetary donation to organizations that have a proven record of success and model a love of reading.
Parents are a child’s first and most important teacher. Make a commitment to read with your child every day. It matters!