What is Early Literacy?
Early literacy refers to the skills and knowledge children develop about reading and writing before they actually learn to read and write on their own. It focuses on nurturing a love for stories, singing songs, playing, and having conversations that introduce new words and ideas. Early literacy isn’t about formal instruction, drills, or flashcards—it’s about building a strong foundation so that when children are developmentally ready, they have the skills needed to become successful readers.
Five Early Literacy Practices
Enjoy these simple activities with your child anytime, anywhere throughout the day. Not only are they fun, but they also help prepare your child for reading!
Talking – Children learn language by listening to conversations around them. Hearing words in context helps them understand their meanings and builds their language skills.
Singing – Songs slow down language, breaking words into sounds and syllables. Singing enhances children’s awareness of rhyme and sound patterns, which supports their ability to decode written words later on.
Reading – The most effective way to get children ready to read is by reading together! Shared reading builds vocabulary, knowledge, and a love for stories. Children who enjoy being read to are more likely to develop a desire to read independently.
Writing – Reading and writing go hand in hand. Both represent spoken language and communicate ideas. Writing helps children understand that letters and words have sounds and meanings. Even simple scribbling is an important step in their literacy journey!
Playing – Play is a crucial way young children explore and learn about the world. It sparks imagination and encourages creative expression, laying the foundation for language development.
Our children's services librarians have received Early Literacy Training and incorporate exercising these skills with your children during our library programs. These early literacy practices come from Every Child Ready to Read, a project of the American Library Association.
Visit the Ohio Ready to Read website for more information.
Discover, Learn & Play with Our Early Literacy Calendar!
Enjoy a free monthly calendar filled with hands-on activities, book recommendations, and interactive songs or rhymes. Designed to support early literacy, each calendar makes learning fun through reading, writing, singing, talking, and playing together.
Download a new calendar each month and explore the joy of learning together!
