Ready to Read Early Literacy Tip 1-Talking

Last month we introduced you to the 5 early literacy practices (talking, singing, reading, writing and playing) that will help your child, birth-preschool, prepare for future kindergarten success. This month we are focusing on the early literacy practice of talking. Did you know that talking is one of the very best things parents and caregivers can do to help their child prepare for future reading success? Technology is rapidly changing the way we interact with one another. While there are many positive ways technology can enhance early literacy at home (more on this in a later blog!), studies have shown that the lack of human conversation with our babies, toddlers and preschoolers hinders language development in these early years. The more words children hear before they enter kindergarten, the better readers they will become!

Chances to chat during the day:

• Morning routines
• In the car
• During bath time
• During meals
• Before bedtime
• Out on a walk
• Making dinner
• Doing household chores

Here’s something to talk about! – Watch a virtual storytime with our children’s librarians.

Books are also wonderful conversation starters. Check out at these books that encourage talking.

Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?

eBook

Rhyming Dust Bunnies

hoopla

Sheep in a Jeep

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Maggie and Michael Get Dressed

Flotsam

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Moo!

Daniel’s Good Day

Good Night, Gorilla

eBook   |   hoopla

Flora and the Flamingo

eBook   |   hoopla

To learn more about all the ways that talking can benefit children birth-preschool, as well as more information about early literacy tips, tools, and tricks, please contact the Ready to Read team, readytoread@toledolibrary.org, for a 30 minute early literacy training.