Literacy has become a hot button topic in our society today. Generally, we understand the term literacy to mean being able to read and write.
But what does Early (or Emergent) Literacy mean?
Early Literacy is defined as what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write.
Why is Early Literacy important?
Children from birth to five have an incredible capacity for learning. The skills learned in the first 5 years of a child’s life form the foundation for success in reading and writing. Research shows that your child’s success in school will be greatly influenced by whether or not s/he has mastered the six early literacy skills in the preschool years. And their first teachers are parents, grandparents, and caregivers… that’s YOU!
What are these six early literacy skills that preschoolers need to master?
- Narrative Skills: Being able to describe things and events and tell stories.
- Phonological Awareness: Being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds in words.
- Letter Knowledge: Knowing letters are different from each other, knowing their names and sounds and recognizing letters everywhere.
- Print Motivation: Being interested in and enjoying books.
- Vocabulary: Knowing the names of things.
- Print Awareness: Noticing print, knowing how to handle a book and knowing how to follow the words on a page.
How can you nurture this early literacy development in your child?
The very way that young children learn best—through their everyday routines and activities! And your neighborhood public library can help.
Studies have shown that children who have attended library preschool programs show a greater number of emergent literacy behaviors and pre-reading skills than those without public library program attendance. Here’s why:
Public libraries offer:
- equal and free access to all members of the community
- extensive collections of books for children of all ages
- parent resources, including books on early childhood literacy
- knowledgeable children’s librarians to advise you
- a multitude of free programs, including literacy enhanced storytimes and summer reading incentives, which will expose your child to print and meaningful language opportunities
- early literacy tips and resources such as this blog
The children’s librarians at the Irondequoit Public Library will use this space to talk about the issues concerning early literacy, offer tips and ideas, and alert you to educational opportunities to learn about early literacy in the area. We will also be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to post comments or questions or contact either Miss Amy (Evans) or Mrs. Otto (McGraw) directly. We look forward to hearing from you and to working with you.
Published on February 2, 2012.
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