We all want to give our children the best start in life. Early literacy skills are some of the most crucial skills we can help our little ones develop. But did you know that literacy development starts long before your child picks up their first book? In fact, infants and toddlers are constantly building the foundation for reading and writing through their everyday experiences.

Understanding Early Literacy

Before diving into the specifics, let’s clarify what “early literacy” is. Early literacy refers to the knowledge and skills children develop in speaking, listening, reading, and writing long before they actually learn to read and write. These early literacy skills form the foundation for all future learning and are crucial for success in school and beyond.

The Building Blocks of Early Literacy Skills

There are five essential building blocks of literacy: language development, phonological awareness, print awareness, alphabet knowledge, and vocabulary. Let’s break it down!

1. Language Development

The journey of literacy begins with language. From the moment they’re born, babies absorb the sounds, rhythms, and patterns of the language(s) spoken around them.

How language develops:

• 0-3 months: Babies respond to voices and make cooing sounds.
• 4-6 months: They start babbling and experimenting with different sounds.
• 7-12 months: Babies begin to understand simple words and may say their first word.
• 1-2 years: Vocabulary explodes, and toddlers start putting two words together.
• 2-3 years: Children speak in short sentences and understand much more than they can say.

How parents can help:

• Talk to your baby constantly, narrating your actions throughout the day.
• Respond to your baby’s coos and babbles, encouraging back-and-forth “conversations.”
• Focus on teaching ‘functional words’ to reduce frustration. Functional words are those words that help make our wants and needs known. For example, if a child is still hungry and wants to eat more food or is on a swing and wants another push, they can say ‘more.’ Other functional words to teach young children include up, down, done, help, drink, yes, no, hug, and uh oh. You can use simple ‘baby signs’ along with these words so the child can use their hands to communicate, too.

2. Phonological Awareness

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and work with the sounds in spoken language. It’s a critical early literacy skill needed for learning to read and write. This website has great information about the speech sounds babies make first.

How it develops:

• 6-12 months: Babies start recognizing sound patterns in familiar words.
• 1-2 years: Toddlers begin to play with sounds, enjoying rhymes and silly words.
• 2-3 years: Children start identifying words that rhyme or begin with the same sound.

How parents can help:

• Sing songs and nursery rhymes with your child.
• Play word games focusing on sounds (e.g., “I spy something that starts with the /b/ sound”).
• Read books with rhyming text and emphasize the rhyming words.

3. Print Awareness

Print awareness is understanding that printed words carry meaning, and reading and writing are ways to share information.

How it develops:

• 6-12 months: Babies often show interest in books by putting them in their mouths!
• 1-2 years: Toddlers begin to understand that books are read from front to back.
• 2-3 years: Children start to recognize that print runs from left to right and top to bottom.

How parents can help:

• Provide board books and let your child explore them independently.
• Point to words as you read them aloud.
• Help your child trace letters as you read them to connect letters and sounds.
• Let your child see you reading and writing in everyday life.

4. Alphabet Knowledge

Recognizing and naming letters is an important step towards building early literacy skills, including reading and writing.

How it develops:

• 18-24 months: Some toddlers start to recognize a few letters, often beginning with the first letter of their name.
• 2-3 years: Children begin to sing the alphabet song and may recognize more letters.

How parents can help:

• Point out letters in the environment (on signs, cereal boxes, etc.).
• Play with alphabet blocks or magnetic letters.
• Read alphabet books together.

5. Vocabulary

A rich vocabulary is crucial for understanding what is read and expressing ideas in writing.

How it develops:

• 12-18 months: Most toddlers say their first words and understand many more.
• 18-24 months: Vocabulary grows rapidly, with many children learning several new words each day.
• 2-3 years: Children start using more complex words and understanding basic concepts.

How parents can help:

• Use varied and specific language when talking to your child.
• Explain the meaning of new words when you use them.
• Read a variety of books to expose your child to different types of words.

The Power of Reading Aloud

Reading aloud to your child is one of the most powerful ways to build early literacy skills. It helps develop all the areas we’ve discussed: language, phonological awareness, print awareness, alphabet knowledge, and vocabulary. But beyond that, it creates positive associations with reading and builds a strong emotional bond between parent and child.

Tips for reading aloud:

1. Start early and make it a daily habit.
2. Choose books appropriate for your child’s age and interests.
3. Make reading interactive by asking questions and discussing the story.
4. Don’t be afraid to read the same books repeatedly – repetition helps learning!
5. Model expressive reading to make the story come alive.

Creating a Literacy-Rich Environment

Your home environment plays a crucial role in your child’s literacy development. Here are some ways to create a literacy-rich environment for early literacy skills development:

1. Have books everywhere: Keep books in every room, in the car, and the diaper bag.
2. Create a cozy reading nook: Designate a special place for reading with comfortable seating and good lighting.
3. Display print: Put labels on objects around the house, hang alphabet posters, or create a word wall.
4. Provide writing materials: Even young toddlers can start “writing” with crayons and paper.
5. Limit screen time: While some educational programs can be beneficial, nothing beats real-world experiences and interactions for language development.

When to Seek Professional Help

While every child develops at their own pace, some signs might indicate a need for professional assessment. Consider consulting a speech-language pathologist (SLP) if at:

• 7 months, your child is not babbling
• 1 year, your child is not using any words.
• 18 months, your child has a vocabulary of fewer than 10 words.
• 2 years, your child is not putting two words together.
• 3 years, your child’s speech is difficult to understand.

Remember, early intervention can make a significant difference in a child’s language and literacy development. At Brighton, our Early Childhood Intervention specialists thoroughly evaluate your child. They can identify the therapy and services that can address speech and language development concerns. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re concerned.

Building early literacy skills in infants and toddlers is a gradual process that happens naturally through everyday interactions and experiences. As a parent, you play a crucial role in this development by talking, reading, singing, and playing with your child. Remember, the goal isn’t to teach your baby to read early, but to foster a love of language and learning that will serve them well throughout their lives.

Happy reading, talking, and playing with your little one!