Op-Ed

Early Literacy is All About Fun and Games

Most of us probably think that children learn how to read when they go to school, perhaps beginning in kindergarten or pre-school learning the alphabet and the classic ABC's song. However, recent research confirms that learning to read begins much earlier.

So does this mean we should set up a chalkboard at home and quiz our infants and toddlers with Flash Cards? Absolutely not! The good news is that research confirms the foundation for literacy is built upon certain key "building blocks" that are a whole lot more fun.

Several research studies have confirmed that early literacy depends largely on whether children grow up with opportunities to interact with caring adults, explore and play, as well as enjoy books and stories. In general, the five basic building blocks for early literacy are:

LOVE - We need to comfort, nurture and provide a safe loving environment for our children. Telling babies and children how much we care for them, responding to "baby talk", and cuddling them helps them know that they are loved and will be safe. Research from the National Research Council & Institute of Medicine confirms that children who are secure are more confident to explore and learn. In addition, infants and toddlers who have responsive, caring and positive relationships with their care givers have an easier time forming relationships with peers, teachers and others in school.

TALK - Talking with our children, particularly asking questions and talking with them during routine activities at home, is another major piece of early literacy development. Research concludes that everyday activities accompanied with interesting talk are very important.
RHYME -- Children need experience understanding the individual sounds of words and combinations of sounds that make up different words. Singing songs and playing rhyming games can make a real impact in helping children understand language. Poems and rhyming stories are more than just fun to say, they help children develop awareness of the sounds of language that helps them develop a larger vocabulary and become better spellers and readers.

READ - Reading and telling stories aloud is an obvious building block for literacy. The time that families read stories together is usually a cozy nurturing environment that helps children feel valued and reinforces positive associations with reading. By involving children in reading story books, telling stories and asking questions they become more knowledgeable about language, and exposure to printed materials has a significant impact on reading ability.

PLAY - My favorite building block for early literacy has to be play. I always knew there had to be something to playing and having fun, and now I have learned that various research studies agree that playing and exploring is a strong foundation for learning, creativity and problem-solving.

The first years of a child's life are the most important for their development and future success. Children's minds are like sponges gathering information and processing its value and importance. How we help our children as parents and as a community at-large will determine how hard it will be for them to succeed later.

The good news is that such an important endeavor is not boring – it can be full of fun and games. As parents, let's spend time with our children, reading to them and with them. Playing games and exploring our imaginations through playtime. Let's make up stories and songs and silly rhymes together and challenge our children to do the same.

As a community, let's promote safe and fun areas for children to play together. Volunteer at the library for story time or help a child care center or school. Let's donate toys and books to programs that will use them with children and families. Let's promote the building blocks of literacy at our businesses and in our faith communities.

Together, let's play, read, rhyme, talk and care for each other and for every child in our community. Along the way, not only are we going to have fun, but we are also going to help our kids learn.

- Senator Bob Plymale