Help your child get ready to read in school. Each section links to a list of books on ELSIE featuring that skill.
- LOVE BOOKS
Print motivation: being interested in and enjoying books.
Your baby does not yet understand the words you are reading. That's ok. She learns language when you read to her.
- USE BOOKS
Print awareness: understanding that print has meaning; noticing print everywhere, not just in books; knowing how to handle a book.
Think of ways to put reading into childrens' play. If they build a fort, make a sign "Enter".
- NEW WORDS
Vocabulary: knowing the names of things.
Toddlers learn more words when you point out familiar pictures in a book and name them.
- SEE LETTERS
Letter knowledge: knowing that letters look different from each other; knowing letter names and sounds.
Make letters from clay or play dough. Children love to play with the letters in their names.
- MAKE SOUNDS
Phonological sensitivity: being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds that make up words.
Clap the words of a song as you sing. This helps children hear the different parts of words.
- TELL a STORY
Narrative skills: being able to describe things and events, and tell stories.
Read favorite books again and again. This is great skill building.
ELSIE: Early Literacy Storytime Ideas Exchange
Find books to help children develop early literacy skills.
Parent Guide to Literacy
Pre-Talkers: birth to 2 years (pdf)
Talkers: 2 to 3 years (pdf)
Pre-Readers: 4 to 5 years (pdf)
from the Public Library Association and Association for Library Service to Children.
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