Early Literacy
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What We Know About Early Literacy
Early literacy (reading and writing) does not mean early reading instruction or teaching babies to read; it is the natural development of skills through the enjoyment of books, the importance of positive interactions between babies and parents, and the critical role of literacy-rich experiences.
Literacy development begins at birth and is closely linked to a baby’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Babies learn language through social literacy experiences - parents interacting with them using books. These experiences also serve to associate books with parental affection, attention, and approval.
Read to Succeed!
A study of 3- to 5-year-olds who had been read to at least three times per week found the children:
- Two times more likely to recognize all letters.
- Two times more likely to have word-sight recognition.
- Two times more likely to understand words in context.
The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study found that 62% of parents with a high socioeconomic status read to their children every day compared to only 36% of parents with a low socioeconomic status.
Source:
, 1999.
Following are links to a variety of studies and resources that show how early childhood literacy positively impacts success in school.
- (A compilation of research, strategies, and resources for teachers and parents.)
- Dr. Eugene W. Hickok, Under Secretary of Education Testimony Before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Education Reform Hearing on
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- National Institute for Literacy:
- by James J. Heckman
- National Evaluation & Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk:
- National Center for Education Statistics: