Building Literacy

Did you know that a 2003 study found, that because of the way the brain develops, children who are not exposed to a rich language and word environment from birth to three years of age can NEVER make up the gap between their literacy skills and those of their more advantaged peers?

This leaves them at a disadvantage for the rest of their lives.

All parents want their children to develop good language skills and be successful in school. To make sure this happens:

Encourage and nurture your child's natural curiosities. Try exploring new places, or take a nature walk.
When you are out, point out letters and words on signs.
Speak to children using an adult tone of voice and adult words.
Read to your children and let them read to you.
Make up new stories to tell them, and ask them to make up stories too. Have them draw pictures to go with the stories.
Limit television. This would be no more than 5 hours per week for 2-3 year olds, and no more than 2 hours screen time a day (including video games and computers) for 3-5 year olds.
Develop a schedule to provide routine in your child's life. Children feel safe with rules and limits. Include a story at bedtime every day.
Set high standards and offer praise and hugs to help build their self-esteem and confidence.

Set a good example. You are your child's best and most important teacher.

Community Cradle offers a FREE series of family and health literacy workshops available for your staff or clients. For more information, contact Amanda Mulhern at Amanda@communitycradle.org.

To encourage your clients and help them choose age appropriate learning materials for their children, check out our literacy guide:
http://www.communitycradle.org/documents/PollysHandout_000.doc

P.S. Look for our literacy message on Stewart's milk cartons during the week of September 14th.