Early literacy starts the day your child is born when you use language to say hello to that little creature you have just met . Parenting can feel overwhelming and it's hard not to feel like you need to make sure your 2 year old can do this or that, just like your aunt's daughter's best friend's son! I have gathered together some of the best early literacy resources that will tell you not only what your child really should be doing, but ways you can enrich their learning without putting unrealistic or inappropriate expectations on your kids.
Zero to Three – Early Language and Literacy
This is a fantastic resource, it has all sorts of information about development not just literacy related information. There is a lot on this site so do not try to read it all in one nap time or while watching TV before bed (I know that's the only time I have to read!), bookmark this and sit down to look at it when you have some quiet time. I love this checklist about everyday learning for babies and toddlers.
Reading is Fundemental
This is a HUGE site with a plethora of information so go slow. There are activities, articles , author Q&A and so much more. I love some of their activities too- they have many that include sensory experiences, and all types of learning! This is exciting to me as an educator because often times learning to read has been stuck in a work sheets and flash card abyss, it's nice to see we have broken out of that mold for good!
Get Read To Read
This is a good page, but not as easy to find things or read in a short time. They have a fantastic checklist for parents about providing a home environment that will help foster a reader though. Most of this page seems more geared towards the PreK- School age crowd but it is still very useful for parents of toddlers. They have a great resources page too.
Raising Readers
This is a state of Maine initiative but I have posted it because it's to the point and reader friendly, which really means it's short enough that you may be able to read it while your child is awake and playing quietly for 4 minutes! There are basic checklists and good lists of what parents can expect their children to be doing at various stages from birth to 5.
Your Local Library
Please do not forget to go to your local library! The library and especially their children's librarian is a fantastic resource.
Allie holds a degree in elementary education and focused her studies on early literacy, you can find her at No Time For Flash Cards.
(photo by bies)
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