We Need Multiple Story Times!
You know that it is important to read to child for at least 15 minutes every day beginning at birth. Times should be increased as the child grows older and their attention span lengthens. Research shows the more exposure a child gets to the printed word, the better for their language and literacy development.
Be sure that your child care provider supports early literacy not only for learning but for fun!
What should you look for in the classroom?
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- Make sure that books are easily accessible
- Look for a diverse range of books– bright colors, sharp contrasts, rhythmic writing, lift the flap books and simple phrase books
- If there are centers in your child care, are they labeled?
- Are there paper, pens, pencils, crayons and other items to write and draw?
- After reading, do teachers encourage discussion of the book and characters?
- Is reading part of the child care program’s daily routine, such as at the close of circle time?
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| Birth to 1 | 1 to 2 | 2 to 3 | 3 to 4 | 4 to 5 |
| Ask your provider which nursery rhymes are sung at school so that you can repeat them at home. | Ask your provider about the books they are reading. Check them out at your local library and cuddle while reading their favorites at home. | Ask your provider about the animal noises they are reading about. Read about those animals at home and watch your little ones face light up as you make various animal sounds. | Ask your provider for the list of words they are learning. Help your child learn them by using them frequently at home. | Ask your provider about the additional languages they are learning. Practice Spanish or sign language at home together. |
| Around six months, your child can begin pointing out familiar objects. Ask, "Where's mommy? Where's your nose?" | Sit with your child and sing the nursery rhymes they are learning in school. "The Itsy Bitsy Spider" with hand motions is a classic. Click Here for more. | Ask your child to recite the nursery rhymes they sing with their provider. Then ask questions such as, "Where did Jack and Jill go?" | Have your child use a magnifying glass to look for words they can read in newspapers or magazines. | Make a reading corner at home similar to your child care provider's with comfy pillows, a basket of books, and a blanket. |
Suggested Resources:
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