1. Thanks…
for attending today!

2. resources and activities
to use with
very young children
Dr. James L. Thomas

3. Who is Dr. James L. Thomas?
“Mr. Jim”

4. a story, a story
why such passion for early literacy?

5. Language Play for Infants
Ready to Read! (reading readiness)
The Young and the Restless (1s)
Memorable Story/Circle Times for 2s, 3s, 4s

7. WHY language play? establish reading readiness
provide a language rich environment
engage with an adult
model for parents
multi-sensory experiences
fun for both the baby and the adult!

8. what is language play? songs dance body movement yoga sign language
sharing books

9. who makes a difference in a young child’s life?
-parents
-grandparents
-relatives
-children’s librarians
-early childhood care
providers

10. “Language Play for Infants” programs
Baby, oh Baby: Books, Signing, and Songs
for Expectant Parents
Itsy Bitsy Babies for Mother and Others
Man in the Moon for Male Caregivers

12. essentials for young children
books
music
finger plays
signing

13. why books with young children?
introduces the left/right reading process
exposes the child to an exciting, new world
allows the child to hear the linguistic patterns of his/her language
connects a child with an adult

14. why music with young children?
powers the brain: connects neural pathways
influences: stimulates creativity
connects: brings diverse groups together
transports: in time and emotion
comforts: security and memories
from “Sing into Reading” by Nancy Stewart

15. why finger plays with young children?
promotes love of rhythm and movement
helps children to develop creativity
encourages greater self-esteem
promotes & encourages verbal and motor skills
teaches concepts (body parts, counting, up/down)
helps children to observe and follow along

16. why sign with young children?
reduces frustration and provides a means to express themselves
increases parent-child bonding
lets babies communicate vital information

17. children who learn sign actually talk and comprehend language better than those
who don’t
2 year-olds who were taught sign, have a bigger vocabulary and were able to put together significantly longer sentences than those who did not learn sign

19. Developmental Characteristics newborn to 12 months
-follows a moving object or person with eyes
-rolls over
-explores object with mouth
-reacts to sounds of voice, rattle, bell
-loves to be touched and held close

20. -returns a smile
-responds to peak-a-boo games
-sits alone without support
-raises up on arms and knees into crawling
-may say first word
-interested in books with pictures

21. RESEARCH FINDINGS
an infant 45 minutes old will imitate an adult sticking our his/her tongue

22. at five months, an infant will learn sequence and anticipate between two: one three times and one twice

23. at five months, an infant is able to discriminate between 2 mouths: one making a noise and the other not; looks and focuses on the one making the noise 10 times longer

24. Early Literacy: definition
“early literacy” is what children learn about reading and writing BEFORE they can actually read or write

25. The 6 Early Literacy Skills
Print Motivation
Print Awareness
Vocabulary
Narrative Skills
Letter Knowledge
Phonological Awareness

28. recommended books
consult you list of titles

30. end

31. early literacy and your role
out of my mind
Sharon Draper