Birth-Pre-K

Get Ready to Read

Early literacy skills are what your child needs to know before learning to read and write. As a parent or caregiver, you can encourage your child on the road to reading.

Early Literacy Calendars

 

Library Resources

  • Get a library card for you and your child.
  • Printable storytime handouts with stories, songs and rhymes to share.
  • Check out an Early Literacy iPad Kit, pre-loaded with apps and e-books selected by staff to support early literacy skills.
  • Join 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, a special reading program for kids birth-Pre-K.
  • Check out a Storytime Pack, containing a book, CD and interactive materials designed to boost literacy skills.
  • Novelist K-8 offers read-alikes and book suggestions.

Five ways to get started

  1. Reading – Sharing books together is the most important thing you can do with your child. Words are all around us, so try reading signs, labels, lists and menus as well as books.
  2. Writing – Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. Encourage scribbling, drawing and writing.
  3. Talking – Talking and telling stories are ways children learn new vocabulary. Children learn about language by listening and joining in conversations.
  4. Singing – Songs, rhymes and fingerplays develop listening skills and help children learn new words. Singing also slows down language so children can hear the different sounds of letters and understand the natural rhythm and rhyme of words.
  5. Playing – Children learn by playing. Different kinds of play encourage different skills, so make sure your child has plenty of playtime to use their imagination and creativity.

Other Resources