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

Children 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.

With 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.

Reading 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.

Children 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.

Children 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.