In the Lap of Literacy Presented by Kaye Price-Hawkins, Priceless Literacy-Abilene, TX

Why is early literacy important? According to a survey of kindergarten teachers conducted in Fall 2006 by the Oregon Department of Education, 19.4% of children in Multnomah County entered kindergarten "not ready to succeed," in large part because they lack the necessary language and pre- reading skills.

Why Focus on this Age Group? Early childhood development is unique: physically (motor skills), emotionally (regulation and attachment), mentally (language skills and problem-solving), and socially (appropriate behavior with others). The human brain achieves approximately 85% of its adult size by age 2 ½ years, and 90% of total growth by age 3.

Human Brain at Birth 6 Years Old 14 Years Old

Statistics : Maryanne Wolf (2007) in her book Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain notes that “by kindergarten, a gap of 32 million words already separates some children in linguistically impoverished homes from their more stimulated peers.” By the 6th grade, they are already 3 grade levels behind their average-performing peers.

Two Most Important Qualities: Patience and Wisdom

Developmental Process: Early literacy development The first three years: –exploring and playing with books –singing nursery rhymes –listening to stories –recognizing words –scribbling.

Encourage Parents to: *Read aloud *Tell stories *Listen to child retell stories *Sing songs *Play games *Give directions *Write words that child says about drawings

Increase ways you interact verbally with your toddler: Play make-believe -- Talk while you play, and encourage your toddler to talk back. Silly rhymes, "The bed is on her head.” Nonsense words, "It's time to skidaddle to your mat for a nap." Add new verses to songs: "...and on his farm he had a pickle..." Ask silly questions children answer: "No"--.

After reading, allow children to experience nature and point out what they read and talked about while at daycare. Take a picture and send to Mommy and Daddy.

Story Time—part of a child’s literacy development: Special time: part of routine. Read favorite books-over and over Read what and when the toddler asks you to.

Story Time, continued… If you can't stop what you are doing… Child may draw his or her favorite part of the story. This 3-year-old is writing a story about rocks because that’s what he has been reading about with his caregiver.

“Look at this!”

Reading Aloud Books that allow them to do something and may wear out. Books with repeated words, rhymes, and phrases. Ask questions about the pictures: "Who's that?" "Where do you think he's going?" "What do cows say?"

Reading Aloud, continued Connect to real-life experiences. Discuss illustrations: “Where’s the …?” “What sound does … make?” Have several books illustrated by the same artist, such as, Eric Carle.

Reading Aloud, continued… POINT OUT AND NAME: Text features Objects within the illustrations Clarify incorrect identifications Model good reading habits—read with excitement and fluency

Reading On Their Own… When the toddler looks at books alone… –Help toddlers learn to care for books –Ask your toddler to help fix damaged books

Preschoolers learn about reading when looking at books by themselves and seeing adults reading. Children love to imitate adults. A child who sees you enjoying a book or magazine will want to do the same. Show your child how you use books, newspapers, and other written materials to find out information…

3-year-Old Reads the Newspaper at Starbucks

Set up a reading shelf, basket, corner with books for independent reading.

Books to Choose for Reading Time… 1.Pattern books ABC books about many topics Repeated phrasing (Brown Bear, Brown Bear…) Contrast (Meanwhile.. or That’s Good, That’s Bad) 2.Rhyming books

3.Books about feelings 4.Books about relationships (friends and family) 5.Books about other cultures 6.Character-building books Books to Choose for Reading Time, continued…

7.Informational books (Non-fiction) 8.Books about colors, numbers, and words 9.Books about Reading and Writing 10.Fairy tales, Proverbs, and Mother Goose stories Books to Choose for Reading Time… continued…

Military Sharing Tools of Literacy in Middle East

Readiness equation: Ready families + Ready communities + Ready services + Ready daycares and schools =Children Ready for a Lifetime of Learning