NEW! Early Literacy Videos!
Featuring Veronica Bodden, PIRC's Early Literacy Specialist, and Her Son!
Setting your child on the right path towards reading readiness can sometimes be confusing to a parent, and often has us asking many questions. What do I do with my young child who cannot read yet? How do I know when I’m reading to my young child that they are listening? In the following videos you will see examples of what to do with your young child to make get the most out of your reading experience.
Throughout this series of videos you will see a lot of conversation taking place between parent and child; this is called shared reading. Shared reading is exactly what it sounds like: sharing the experience of the book by asking questions, making observations, and really engaging your child in conversation about what you are reading together. Instead of just picking up the book and reading at your child, you are reading with them! This is a very important strategy in making sure your child understands what is being read to them.
In addition to shared reading you will find many other tips and examples of how to get the most out of reading and talking to your child. Did you know there is a good reason children’s books repeat some of the same phrases and words over and over again? Did you also know that rhyming words are a great introduction to the alphabet?
As parents sometimes we are unsure of what to do to nurture our young children but following some of the tips provided in these videos will lead your child to a new-found confidence in enjoying the printed word which will eventually blossom and grow into a love of books and reading.
Click on the play buttons to watch videos. To watch in larger format, click on "YouTube" at the bottom right of each video, or go to http://www.youtube.com/user/PICofNH.
“Repetition and Rhyme”In this video you will see an activity of “shared reading” using a children's book that focuses on repetition and rhyme. These two concepts within children’s books are very important because the melody and repetition of the words makes reading very enjoyable for children. When they recognize and remember what words are coming up next in the story it helps them feel secure in joining in on the reading! Rhyming helps in learning the different sounds that letters can make, which is a wonderful introduction to the alphabet. Next time you are reading with your child have them join in on repeating words or point out the words that rhyme! |
|
“Read What You Know”In the following video you will see during some “shared reading” a mother supporting good listening skills using a book with concepts and items that are familiar to her child. When your child recognizes what they are reading about, it encourages listening more which helps them understand more. Good listening skills lead to good comprehension skills, which is something they will benefit from their whole lifetime! Notice the mother continually asking her child about the pictures in the book, this is a wonderful way for you to focus your child’s attention and help them comprehend what they are listening to. |
|
“Pictures are worth a Thousand Words!”Books with lots of illustrations are great for you and your young child to use during some “shared reading” time. When the pictures in a book are big and colorful they draw your child’s attention right in. Talking about illustrations as they relate to the story’s plot is very beneficial to your young child because it helps their understanding of the printed word. Next time you sit and read with your child try just looking through and talking about the pictures in the book, make up new stories and let them be silly! It’s a fun and easy way to bond with your child while reading together. |
|
“Learning on the Go!”In the following video you will see how fun and easy it is to turn any environment into a learning environment. In the game “What am I?” the mother and child play by trying to guess what object each other may be thinking about by using hints and clues. It seems silly but believe it or not this game is very good for supporting your child’s brain activity and language skills! By asking your child to think about the color, height, and or use of different objects you are reinforcing their ability to use and communicate with their vocabulary. As you and your child get comfortable with the game you may introduce new and different items to help build upon and expand their vocabulary! Next time you’re in the car with your children try this game, everyone can join in and it’s a fun and beneficial way to pass the time especially when stuck in traffic! |
Tips for Getting Your Child Started Right with Reading and Language
Birth– 6 months:
Read, sing and talk to your baby often. Remember that your baby’s eyesight is not fully developed but that their hearing is.
7 months– 1 year:
Read to your child often and talk about the pictures in the books. Make sure your child has books and remember that it is normal for babies to put books in their mouth! Encourage your baby to repeat sounds that you make with your mouth.
1 year-2 years:
Be sure to play with your child– this is the time to repeat words and encourage your child to sing songs and learn the names of their body parts. Remember that your child needs opportunities to practice talking without a pacifier. Join a story group at your local library.
2 years-3 years:
Visit the library often with your child and encourage them to look at different books and tell you about the pictures. Ask your child questions about the pictures they see. Talk with your child about the cover of the book, where the story begins, and what they think will happen next. Encourage your child to write and draw with crayons and copy shapes that you make.
3 years-4 years:
Provide your child with opportunities to follow written directions. Encourage your child to write letters, make lists and talk about letter sounds. Talk about the letters in your child’s name and in simple words. Limit your child’s TV time and look into enrolling them in local preschools.
