Here at Enlightened Mama, we believe in the power of learning and educating oneself through your journey into parenthood and beyond. We use evidence-based research to help guide and teach the families that make their way through our doors. After childbirth, it becomes a time to continue to teach our little ones and one of the best ways to do that is through early literacy.
Research shows that early literacy will enhance language development, build critical thinking skills, develop reading strategies, and build strong relationships between children and their caregivers. Early literacy can include reading books, telling stories, listening to music and talking and listening to one another. Research shows that infants prefer their parent’s voice more than anyone else’s. Through a variety of literacy experiences, your child will become a confident and motivated learner. Last, these early literacy experiences will support the brain development of your child.
Here are a few ways to build a literacy filled home:
- Begin a daily routine for reading books (before bed/nap or in the car)
- Talk to your baby/child as you move through your day (at the store, getting baby dressed, changing their diaper, etc)
- Sing and hum songs with your child, especially those with motions like twinkle, twinkle little star or Ring around the Rosy
- Begin sign language
- Share stories about special people in your life
- Allowing time to explore books (chewing, holding, exploring)
What are some of your favorite ways you experience literacy in your home? How can you enhance learning or begin a new way of learning?
Here is a useful website and a few books that you can find further information on early literacy and how it supports the academic, social, physical, and emotional growth of your child. Please join us for Groove and Grow at Enlightened Mama with your little ones where we strive to support early literacy!!!
The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
Read to me: Raising Kids Who Love to Read by Bernice Cullinan
