Early Literacy for Toddlers
Did You Know? Children between the ages of 2 and 3 learn about 10 new words a day!
Experts have determined that there are 6 early literacy skills that are the building blocks for successful reading and writing. It's never too early to start working on these skills at home with your toddler!
The following tips were taken from Edmonton Public Library’s website.
Skill #1: Letter Knowledge
Read alphabet books together; they are a great way to focus on one letter at a time
Point out things around the house and say what letter they start with
Play with magnets or cutout letters – move them around to make new words!
Skill #2: Narrative Skills
Use books as a starting point to talk about the pictures within. Ask questions about what you see and give your toddler lots of time to tell you his answer
When talking with your toddler, give things an order ("We will have lunch and then we will go to the park")
Encourage their curiosity and answer as many of their questions as possible
Skill #3: Phonological Awareness
Have conversations with your toddler; the tone of your voice will help them learn what a question sounds like!
Use shakers, drums, and other simple instruments to help break up songs and words into syllables
Skill #4: Print Awareness
Run your finger under a word as you read it; this will help children to see where words start and end
Encourage your child to 'read' to you from books, using the pictures as a guide.
Hold a book upside down and see if your child notices!
Skill #5: Print Motivation
Create a special time for reading, such as just after dinner or right before bed. It will become a time that your child looks forward to
Talk to your child about their interests, and choose books that they like to read
Read books with colourful pictures or special features, such as pop-ups, flaps, or textured pages
Try putting labels up around the house with the names of objects; children will connect the word and letters to the item
Speak directly with your child. They are much more likely to understand and remember words that are addressed to them.
Gradually introduce more specific words (for example: when your toddler points out a bird, expand on what she's said. "Yes, that's a bird! That's a red robin!")
