Ask the Speech Pathologist by Jennifer Pollock, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC
Question: What are some ways to encourage early literacy skills in young children, and how does language play a part?
Answer: Most people know that early language skills develop in the first 3 years of life. However, early literacy (reading and writing) skills develop in the same time frame!
Early experiences with print materials (books, magazines) as well as paper and art materials and interaction with adults shape the brain's development. Research shows that kids gain knowledge of all of these skills through real-life activities and positive interactions, long before school time comes.
Early literacy skills do not mean reading. Schickedanz (1999) in "Much More than ABCs: The Early Stages of Reading and Writing" identifies 4 behaviors that are key to increasing children's literacy skills in early childhood.
1. Book handling behaviors: physical handling of books, including chewing and turning pages;
2. Looking and recognizing: how children pay attention to/interact with pictures in books, their responses, and developing recognition, such as pointing to objects or favored pictures;
3. Picture and story comprehension: a child's understanding of events in a book and the ability to retell and describe the events;
4. Story-reading behaviors: verbal interactions with books and increasing understanding of print, such as when children follow along words with their finger or "pretend" to read.
To encourage early literacy development, parents should read daily to their kids, even for a few minutes, increasing the time as children grow. Let children turn the pages, ask questions about the story ,and encourage the child to ask questions as well. Use silly voices and movement to increase engagement in the tale.
Let your child tell you a familiar story- like they don't have "Goodnight Moon" memorized!!?? Point out letters and sight words as you read along together, and gently quiz older kids. Finally, use your own family's experiences and relate them to the story. These tips expand not only literacy and appreciation for the written word, but increase language skills as well.
Reference: www.zerotothree.org/BrainWonders
Submitted by Springfield Moms contributor Jennifer Pollock, MA, CCC-SLP, CLC. Jennifer is a Springfield native (proud north-ender) and received her Bachelor's degree in Communication Disorders and Psychology from St. Louis University and her Masters in 1997. She is a member of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Member of Central IL Speech Pathology Association, Certified as Lactation Counselor (Breastfeeding) and specializes in infant feeding/swallowing, Breastfeeding education and support, articulation/phonological disorders, child language, and Apraxia of speech. She is married to Ian and is mother to Sam and Sophie. She is also involved in support groups for women with infertility issues. She can be reached at Koke Mill Medical Center 3132 Old Jacksonville Rd., Springfield or by calling 217- 862-0400 Email: pollock.jennifer@mhsil.com.
Try playing a board game called Er-u-di-tion that incorporates both sight words and phonics.
This award winning game helps children learn to read, spell and understand the most common words in the English language while playing an entertaining board game.
Cards are categorized so children of all reading levels can play together!