A library is an information hub, and a librarian's job is to assist the public in becoming self-educators and information gatherers. In a healthy society, the public is knowledgeable of the tools and resources needed to make informed decisions and opinions.
For a children’s librarian, we encourage caregivers to develop the skills necessary to manage their own child’s early literacy development.
You and your family are always welcome at any library for story times and special events. However, learning is on-going, and it does not stop when you leave the library.
The most important teacher is the caregiver; therefore parental education is just as important.
The Public Library Association (PLA) and Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) established Every Child Ready to Read in the idea that “if the primary adults in a child’s life can learn more about the importance of early literacy and how to nurture pre-reading skills at home, the effect of library efforts can be multiplied many times.” Every Child Ready to Read
ECRR is an initiative focused on educating parents and caregivers of children newborn to age five on early literacy so they can help their children enter school ready to read. Through ECRR, the development of 5 Early Literacy practices emerged: Singing, Talking, Writing, Playing, and Reading. These practices such as singing nursery rhymes, tracing letters, playing with blocks, and, of course, reading books are all activities parents, no matter how busy, can fit into their schedules.
Here are some examples of the 5 early literacy practices:
Singing: singing songs together can teach rhythm for language and phonological awareness
Singing nursery rhymes
Making up songs together
Talking: talking is the best way to build vocabulary and develop narrative skills
Tell family stories
Talk about feelings and emotions
Writing: drawing and doodling can expand vocabulary, fine motor skills, and print awareness
Scribble and draw together
Trace family names with the child’s pointer finger
Playing: playing games involving letters can enhance letter knowledge and print awareness
Using sidewalk chalk, write out letters on the driveway or sidewalk and have your child run/walk to each letter you call out
Reading: find time to read with your child for at least 15 minutes a day in a fun and relaxing environment, encouraging reading and print motivation
Visit your public library and attend a story time!
Read signage you find at the grocery store or shopping mall
**The highlighted words are the 6 early literacy skills children must learn before they can learn to read** 6 Early Literacy Skills -- in regards to the 5 early literacy practices, these practices can supplement the development of the 6 early literacy skills.
The idea is to encourage independent learning, not only for the child, but the adults in the child’s life. PLA and ALSC’s initiative provides activities and practices caregivers can perform at home, no matter the socio-economic status and/or situation.
Early literacy is not dedicated to the privileged. Early literacy development can be done with the simplest of tools and activities. Libraries through ECRR promote easy and accessible resources to build literacy skills in every household and for every child.
Remember: the most important tool a child has in their educational journey is you, and your time is the best gift you can give them.
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