Early Literacy: Talking
The more words a child hears and understands during the first five years of life, the easier it will be for that child to make sense of written language and learn to read. Talk to your baby and child throughout the day. Use a rich, varied vocabulary!
There are so many ways to incorporate talking into your child's day. Here are some examples:
For babies and toddlers
- Narrate your actions during diaper changing, feeding, dressing and other activities.
- Name objects in your environment.
- Point to and name parts of the body.
For toddlers and preschoolers
- Engage in conversation about current activity.
- Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes/no answer.
- Talk to them about what you're doing.