Reading success starts before kindergarten—February 8, 2013
Learning to read begins long before children start school. Research shows that early childhood experiences have a great impact on a child’s ability to learn language and literacy skills. Children who grow up in a stimulating environment where parents and other caregivers talk and read to them are more likely to become fluent readers and eager learners.
Experts have identified essential early literacy or pre-reading skills that children must know before they can actually learn to read. Parents and other caregivers can learn how to develop these important skills through the library’s “Every Child Ready to Read” workshops.
Children from birth to age five learn primarily through interactions with their parents and other important adults as well as from their environment. “Every Child Ready to Read” gives parents and other caregivers simple but powerful ways to help children develop the language and other skills they need before they can learn to read.
According to the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) and the Public Library Association (PLA), the divisions of the American Library Association that developed “Every Child Ready to Read @ your library,” parents and other caregivers are in the best position to help young children learn these skills because:
- Parents know their children best and can help them learn in ways and at times that are easiest for them.
- Young children have short attention spans. Parents and caregivers can engage children in language and literacy activities for short bits of time throughout the day.
- Parents are tremendous role models–children are more likely to want to read if they see that their parents value and enjoy reading.
- Children learn best by doing—and they love doing things with their parents. Parents can give children a tremendous advantage in school and in life by helping prepare them for reading success.
The first workshop for parents, grandparents and other child care providers of children from birth to age five will be held at the library on Sunday, February 17, from 2:00-3:00 p.m. Registration is not required and there is no charge to attend. More workshops for adults and children to attend together will be offered in the spring.
Attend the “Every Child Ready to Read” workshop at the library and find out how easy it is for you to make a big difference in your child’s life.
