Storytimes resume in September, so this seems like a good time to talk about the importance of
early literacy.
Early
literacy is defined as the pre-reading skills children acquire from ages 0-5,
which help them prepare for and succeed in school.
Children are born with 100
billion brain cells, the same number as adults, and 85% of those cells are
developed before kindergarten. Brain
researchers liken brain development to building a house, and the first three
years are vital to building a strong foundation and framework. The bonds a
child forms in his early years are crucial to future learning and success. Parents
are children’s first teachers, so at the Library we work to educate parents on
the importance of shared reading and learning experiences. The Library’s
programs and collections emphasize the five early literacy practices, as
outlined in the American Library Association’s “Every Child Ready to Read”
program: Sing, Talk, Read, Write and Play.
Singing (which includes nursery rhymes) increases children’s
awareness of and sensitivity to the sounds of words. It doesn’t matter if you
are a “good singer” – children will respond to your voice before all others.
Have fun with silly songs and bounces, or soothe children with lullabies and
gentle swings. The Library has a great collection of children’s music CDs and
nursery rhyme books.
Talking with children helps them build their vocabulary and
learn oral language. Self-expression and narrative skills are crucial to
communication and developing interpersonal relationships. Talk to your child
about your day together, ask them questions, and narrate your activities (e.g.:
“Now we are putting on our shoes, so we can go and play at the park”). The
Library is a great place for your child to interact with others his or her own
age!
Reading together, or shared reading, remains the single most
effective way to help children become proficient readers. Expose children
to a variety of books and authors – your library card allows you to borrow up
to 100 items for 3 weeks at a time, so borrow away! Our board book collection
is intended for our youngest readers – the thick cardboard, laminated pages
stand up to exploring hands (and teeth!). Let your child practice turning the
pages, point out pictures together…let your child have fun with books. It’s
also great to be a reader role model – if your child sees you enjoying books
and newspapers, they will learn that reading is an enjoyable pastime.
Writing, scribbling and
colouring all help children learn fine motor skills and learn that
written words stand for spoken language. Pick up your weekly colouring sheet at
the Library and help your child practice writing his or her name. Point to
words when you read together. Use alphabet magnets to put together sounds and
words on the fridge.
Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically, so they
understand that spoken and written words represent real objects and
experiences. Play develops
their imagination, creativity and social skills. Children will often mimic real
life situations (grocery store shopping or “playing library”), helping them
make sense of their world.
Storytimes for babies through to preschoolers are held at branches across the region!
Have
fun visiting the Library and exploring these early literacy practices
with your child.
Written by Elena Doebele, Head Librarian for Westbank Branch
