Years ago I heard a definition that really captured my curiosity. It was a basic definition for a skill that we all use daily, but it was focused on the critical needs of young children.
Literacy = Talk + Play
Over the years I have read many articles and books, and studied a lot of research about early literacy – the skill development for young children that will grow with them (and pay enormous dividends) throughout their lives. Early literacy, or pre-literacy, does not involve flashcards or the recital of letters and numbers. It is, as the definition states, the playful engagement of everyday experiences, accompanied by a lot of conversation from caring adults.
Early literacy starts at birth. It includes language development, verbal vocabulary, and speech development. Below are some tips you can incorporate into playtime to prepare your child for a life of literacy.
- TELL stories – ones from your life or imagined ones
- SHARE books – bring them to life with dramatic storytelling
- SING songs – children love silly songs and music
- TALK to one another during everyday tasks
- POINT out and NAME objects around you
- PUT ON a puppet show
- CREATE art and describe what you or your child made
- RHYME simple words with a playful voice
Come talk – and play – in our very special space. It will be a fruitful investment for you AND your child!
A mom’s perspective
While we haven’t quite hit the school years yet, we absolutely love going to the Children’s Museum to let Thatcher play and explore. In fact, during the craziness that was Isaac, we went twice in one week. We could not have been more grateful that the Museum was back up and running so soon. Thatcher absolutely loves playing at the Museum, and as a parent, it is encouraging to know that the space is specifically designed to promote his development and – even though it’s not really on our radar yet – school readiness.
He has a total ball “making groceries” in the Winn Dixie exhibit, and the toddler area entertains him for at least an hour. We usually have to pull him away from the exhibit when it’s time to go!
Thatcher also really enjoys the bubbles on the first floor, as well as the train table and emergency vehicles. He will run one from vehicle to the next, pretending to drive them while making the cutest siren noise. If you haven’t taken your little ones to the Museum yet, I highly recommend it. We usually take Thatcher in the morning while he’s still fresh and happy, and by the time we’re ready for lunch, he’s willing to sit quietly while we enjoy our food. One of our favorites spots near the Museum is Capdeville, which has a really good burger and the most delicious truffle mac and cheese you will ever taste.
We took Jane to the Children’s Museum in St. Louis when we were in town visiting some friends. At seven months old, I thought she would be more of an observer than a participant at the museum. Boy, was I wrong! She loved to touch and feel and listen and see everything around her. It was amazing to watch her learn through these new experiences. Next weekend, we will be heading to our museum to sign up for a membership. I love having this resource so close by so that Jane can continue to be wowed by the things around her!