You might hear our librarians talk about early literacy, but what is it all about?

Early literacy is everything a child needs to know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write and it begins at birth! Many of our children’s librarians are trained in Every Child Ready to Read, a national early literacy organization based on scientific research that details how language and literacy development inform our choices as parents and caregivers. By engaging with our children in daily doses of singing, talking, reading, writing, and playing, we can build our child’s early literacy skills and ensure that our children begin school ready to read!

 

Five Daily Practices

TalkChildren learn about language by listening to parents and adults talk and by joining in the conversation. Hearing and joining in on talking and conversation not only builds language fluency, but also builds important background knowledge for kids.
SingWith singing, kids can learn new words and information, develop listening skills, and phonological awareness. Because singing slows down language so children can hear the individual sounds that make up a word it strengthens their phonological awareness.
ReadReading together, or shared reading, is the single most important activity caregivers can do with their children. It develops vocabulary and comprehension, nurtures a love of reading, and motivates children to want to learn to read.
WriteChildren learn about letters, words and stories when given the chance to try writing on their own. This is the gateway to writing. When a child signs their name on a piece of paper, even if it is scribbling, they are learning that they can write something that represents their name.
PlayChildren learn about language through play. More than that, playing builds conceptual knowledge of the world, words are able to map onto concepts, it engages children in problem-solving, and it fosters important social interactions.
 

At Monroe County Public Library, we incorporate literacy and the five daily practices into every early childhood program, whether it’s storytime, baby time, arts and crafts, or sensory play! Learn how you can get your child on the road to reading by requesting an Every Child Ready to Read workshop for your school, parent group, daycare, or organization!

Workshops are flexible, from 1-3 hours, interactive, and can cover a variety of topics:

  • Understanding and Promoting Early Literacy
    In this interactive workshop you will learn the basic skills needed for reading success and simple, effective ways to help develop those skills in children ages 0-5 years. Along the way you will learn techniques for booksharing and program planning that enhance activities already going on in your busy early childhood environment.
     
  • Creating an Early Literacy Environment  
    The classroom is often considered the "Silent Teacher." Learn how to make your classroom environment support literacy and learning.
     
  • Fun with Words  
    This workshop describes ways to build vocabulary - a key ability for lifelong reading success.
     
  • Fun with Letters
    Learn how to get children excited about writing and learning about letters.
     
  • Fun with Science and Math
    Children are born scientists. Find out how to support your children's natural curiosity about the world.

 

1,000 Book Before Kindergarten1,000 Books Before Kindergarten

1,000 Books Before Kindergarten is a program encouraging you to read 1,000 books with your child before they start kindergarten. The program is self-paced and you decide how often and how long you will read to your child. It can take anywhere from a few months to a few years. Join our reading challenge.