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Raising a Reader

by Cathy Michaud
& Wanda Edwards

Parents are a child’s first and most important teachers, and when it comes to learning language, parents are the most influential people in a child’s life. But the importance of language extends beyond just learning to talk. Studies have shown that the more language a child is exposed to, the more likely it is the child will learn to read upon entering school.

With this information in mind, in 2000 the Public Library Association’s Early Literacy Project began a partnership with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The partners realized public libraries have the ability to reach thousands of parents, caregivers and children, making it possible to greatly impact the early reading experiences of preschool children. According to research, there are six prereading skills children must learn to become a successful reader. These skills are:

• Narrative skills — ability to describe things and events
• Print motivation — interest and enjoyment of books
• Phonological awareness — ability to hear and play with smaller word sounds
• Print awareness — knowing how to handle books and follow words on a page
• Letter knowledge — knowing letters are different from each other, their names and sounds
• Vocabulary — knowing the name of things

Programs and materials were developed by researchers in emergent literacy to be used by librarians, parents and caregivers.

The premise of these research-based materials is to enlist parents and caregivers as partners in preparing children to learn to read and to provide the most effective methods to achieve this end. Materials were made age appropriate by dividing the pre-reading skills into three phases for pre-talkers, talkers and pre-readers. Parents can share books and language with their children in many ways.

Pre-talkers (Birth - 2 years old)
Begin reading books early — even when you child is a newborn. During the first three years of life, the brain develops very rapidly. The more language your baby is exposed to, the healthier the brain development. Reading to a baby has many great benefits. For instance, focusing on the pictures in a book helps develop eye muscles. Try to spend at least 15 minutes reading every day. The key to reading with your baby is to make it enjoyable and interactive. Make reading special time.

Tips
• Pick a time when both you and baby are in a good mood
• Share the book — read with excitement
and expression
• Point to pictures
• Cuddle and touch baby while reading
• Let baby play with the book
• Read alphabet books

Talkers (2 - 3 years old)
As your child grows and begins to talk, you can share the enjoyment of reading by asking questions about the story. Toddlers develop favorite books and enjoy reading them over and over. This is beneficial to the child, as it allows them to develop reading comprehension and word recognition. Talkers may begin to “help” read the book by turning pages or reciting parts of the story. Introduce your child to number books and alphabet books. Have fun!

Tips
• Talk about the story and pictures
• Ask open ended questions, such as “Why do you think the bear ran from the house?” “What do you think will happen next?”
• Let you child hold the book and turn the pages
• Say nursery rhymes or sing songs
• Point out and name letters while reading

Pre-readers (4 - 5 years old)
Research shows that pre-school children who are exposed to language through books and conversation become more successful students. When parents read with their children, they are allowing their children to experience different types of sounds, language and rhythms. Learning language allows a child to identify objects and concepts, leading to a better vocabulary and transition into reading. Reading allows parents to bond with their child in a calming, safe activity.

Tips
• Tell stories about the family
• Talk to your child about what is going on around you
• Visit the library often
• Ask “what” questions. Point to a picture and ask, “What’s that?”
• Write words that interest your child (like “dog” or “truck”) using crayons
• Read everyday print—labels, signs, menus, etc.

There are many ways you can help your child develop language skills and to learn how to read. Chanting nursery rhymes, singing songs and reading stories are comforting and entertaining activities for even the youngest child. Visit the local library to attend story times with your child, and learn new and exciting ways to expose your child to books and language. While at the library, ask the librarian to suggest books to borrow and to share at home.

Create a literary-rich environment in your home. Make reading materials available. Place books, magazines or newspapers in every room. Mix board books in with your child’s toys.

You know your child best. Learn when your child is in the mood to read. Help your child develop reading skills in ways that are easiest for him or her. Most of all have fun. Children learn best by doing fun things, and they love doing things with you.