Learning to read begins before children start school. Help your children develop early literacy skills now; this makes it easier for children to learn to read once they begin school. Five of the best ways to help your child get ready are:

Talking Singing Reading Writing Playing Learn how to help your child get ready to read with simple activities such as the ones suggested here. Find more ideas at your library. Every Child Ready to Read is a project of the Association for Library Service to Children and the Public Library Association, divisions of the American Library Association. www.everychildreadytoread.org

Talking ● Helps create connections between parent/child ● Teaches kids new words ● Provides new information and details to expand their world Singing ● Helps children develop listening skills ● Helps children hear the sounds within the words ● Makes learning fun! Reading Reading together is the most important thing you can do to help prepare your child to read on their own. Read to your children everyday! Writing ● Scribbling develops hand-eye coordination ● Helps kids learn about symbols ● Helps kids understand that letters and words stand for ideas Playing ● Children learn to put thoughts into words ● Children learn to tell stories ● Develops an active imagination Parents are a child’s first teacher and your home is where your child first begins to learn and grow!