1. conference title Language Play for Infants

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

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

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

5. three segments of language play Baby, oh Baby: Books, Songs, and Signing for Expectant Parents Itsy Bitsy Babies for Mothers and Others Man on the Moon for Male Caregivers

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

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

8. 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

9. -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

10. 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!

11. WHAT is language play? songs dance body movement yoga sign language sharing books

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. itsybitsybabies.pbworks.com look at “sidebar” for on right of display ”Opening Doors to Early Literacy. Infants” -words to songs -recording in MP3 format

21. “ Opening Doors to Early Literacy” CONTENTS OF CD Contact info for James Thomas (Publisher document) Man in the Moon (infants) Young and the Restless (ones) (video file) (video file) Words to songs Infant Songs MP3 Young Toddler Songs MP3 Songs for 2s-5s MP3 Ready to Read--Website ItsyBitsyBabies—Website ToddlerIcon—Website 2s3s4—Website PLAY ON COMPUTER ONLY

22. books Ellen Galinsky. Mind in the Making. 2010 Greenberg & Hayden. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads. 2004 board books

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