How to Support Early Literacy Skills in Infants and Toddlers - post

The journey to becoming a reader begins long before a child sets foot in a kindergarten classroom. In fact, it begins at birth.

For infants and #toddlers, literacy isn't about teaching them to read; it is about building the critical foundation of early literacy skills. These include vocabulary, print #awareness, narrative skills, and phonological awareness. As an #early-childhood #educator or caregiver, you have the profound opportunity to wire a child’s brain for a lifetime of learning. 

This guide explores practical, evidence-based strategies to support #early-literacy in the youngest learners, using resources and training available at ChildCareEd.

Understanding Early Literacy: It’s More Than Just Books

Early literacy is defined as what children know about reading and writing before they actually learn to read and write. It is the #developmental period where the "building blocks" of #language are formed. 

Research shows that the brain #develops most rapidly in the first three years of life. Every interaction—every song, every story, and every conversation—strengthens the neural connections required for future reading success.

Strategies for Infants (Birth to 12 Months)

For infants, literacy is a #sensory experience. It is about hearing the rhythm of language and associating #books with comfort and love.

1. Narrate the Day

Infants absorb language like sponges. You don't need a formal lesson plan to teach them new words; you just need to be a "sportscaster" for their life. Narrate what you are doing as you do it.

• Example: "I am changing your diaper. The wipe feels cold! Now I am snapping your blue onesie."
• Why it works: This "language modeling" exposes infants to a rich variety of vocabulary in context.

2. Sign Language

Communication happens before speech. Introducing sign language can bridge the gap between a child's desire to communicate and their ability to form words.

• Tip: Start with simple signs like "more," "milk," and "all done."
• Resource: Our article on "Babies and Sign Language" highlights how this practice can ease frustration and boost cognitive development.

3. High-Contrast and Texture Books

Infants do not have fully #developed vision yet. Books with high-contrast images (black and white) or tactile elements (soft fur, crinkly paper) grab their attention.

• Activity: During tummy time, place a board book in front of the infant. Allow them to mouth the book, pat the pages, and explore it as an object.

Strategies for Toddlers (1 to 3 Years)

As children move into the #toddler-years, their language explodes. This is the time to focus on interaction and comprehension.

1. Interactive Read-Alouds

Reading to a #toddler-should not be a passive experience. It should be a conversation. Instead of just reading the text, ask questions that prompt the child to think.

• Ask: "Where is the dog hiding?" or "What sound does the cow make?"
• Training: The course "Reading Aloud and Storytelling" is an excellent resource for learning how to bring stories to life. It covers strategies to foster comprehension and vocabulary through engaging storytelling.

2. Phonological Awareness through Song

Phonological awareness is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds. You don't need worksheets for this—you need music!

• Strategy: Sing nursery rhymes and songs daily. Emphasize the rhyming words.
• Example: "Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."
• Why it works: Hearing rhymes helps children understand that words are made up of smaller sounds, a crucial pre-reading skill.

3. Print Awareness in the Environment

Toddlers are beginning to understand that those squiggles on the page (and on signs) have meaning.

• Labeling: Label objects in your classroom (e.g., "Door," "Chair," "Toy Box") with clear text and pictures.
• Activity: Point out environmental print, such as "Stop" signs or logos on food packaging, during walks or snack time.

Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment

Your classroom or #home environment acts as a "second #teacher." To support #early-literacy, books and writing materials must be accessible and inviting.

• Low Shelves: Keep board books on low, open shelves where infants and toddlers can reach them independently.
• Cozy Corners: Create a soft, quiet area dedicated to reading. Add pillows and puppets to make stories come alive.
• Writing Centers: For older toddlers, provide thick crayons and paper. Scribbling is the first step toward writing!

The Role of Play in Literacy

It is a common misconception that "learning" requires sitting still. For young children, #play is learning.

ChildCareEd offers a #free course titled "Play Safe, Think Big: Literacy Through Play." This training is invaluable for educators who want to understand how to supervise children effectively while nurturing their emerging literacy skills during unstructured play. It teaches that building a block tower can be a lesson in vocabulary ("tall," "balance," "fall") and narrative ("Who lives in the tower?").

Professional Development for Educators

Supporting early literacy is a skill that can be honed. Whether you are a #parent or a professional provider, continuing your education is key to staying updated on the best practices for child development.

Recommended Training:

• Reading Aloud and Storytelling: This course focuses on the powerful role of storytelling in promoting 

Helpful Resources:

• Reading and Reading Disorders Fact Sheet: A downloadable resource that provides valuable information on language-based learning.

Further Reading:

• How to Foster Early Literacy Skills: Check out our blog for a deeper dive into activities like "I Spy" and creating reading nooks. 

Conclusion

Supporting early literacy in infants and toddlers doesn't require expensive curriculum kits or flashcards. It requires intentionality. It requires an educator who understands that every coo, every song, and every scribbled line is a stepping stone toward a literate future.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routine and utilizing the professional development opportunities at ChildCareEd, you can ensure that the children in your care are not just learning to read, but learning to love language. 

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