90% of a child’s brain capacity develops
before age 5.
By age three a child’s brain has formed
3 quadrillion connections!
This period of rapid mental growth is the
best time for children to learn skills for
early reading success.
Caregivers can help young children develop
early literacy skills by using these five
practices, developed by early childhood experts.
1. READ
The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends reading to children for 20 minutes
each day
2. SING
Singing is an enjoyable way for children
to learn the sounds that make up words
3. TALK
Have back and forth conversations with words
or actions
4. PLAY
Playing fosters flexible, imaginative and symbolic
thinking
5. WRITE
Writing encourages fine motor skill development, including
holding writing utensils
Look for times to add these 5 practices into
your daily routine, like: diaper changing
time, bed time, car rides, bath time, or getting
dressed
Just a few minutes each day of intentional
skill building can help the children in your
life be ready to read!
Visit herrickdl.org/EarlyLiteracy for more
information on these Five Literacy
Practices.