You may not realize this, but as parents, we can begin preparing our children to read as early as infancy. How so? Every time we talk to our children, we use different words and vocabulary, model conversations, and demonstrate the overall use of language. Even though talking with your child may not seem like reading, it does prepare your "little one" to be a successful reader in the future.
Did you know that the more you talk with your child, the better prepared they will be for reading? It is important to know that there is a different type of "talk." It would not be considered conversational talk when we give commands to our children. Additionally, when our children overhear us talking to someone else, it does not have the same positive impact on their developing literacy skills as it does when we personally talk to them. To help best prepare your infant or toddler for literacy, be sure that they engage in frequent talk with you and not just overhear you speaking with someone else or engaging in basic "command" talk. (Command talk would be giving the child directions or asking basic task-related questions)
Multiple studies have been conducted comparing the literacy skills of infants, toddlers, and non and school-age children who engage in frequent conversations and talk with adults in their homes. These children have been shown to have bigger vocabularies and stronger comprehension skills needed for being successful readers. The results all point to the same thing. Talking to our kids and engaging in rich conversations gives them a head start for skills they will need in school and life.
Want to help prepare your infant or toddler for future reading skills, vocabulary use, reading comprehension, and overall literacy? Talk to them as much as you can each day. Use new vocabulary with them. Engage in rich conversations even at a very young age. Although you may not realize it, you prepare them for reading and literacy.
