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90% of a child’s brain capacity develops
before age 5.

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By age three a child’s brain has formed
3 quadrillion connections!

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This period of rapid mental growth is the
best time for children to learn skills for

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early reading success.

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Caregivers can help young children develop
early literacy skills by using these five

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practices, developed by early childhood experts.

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1. READ

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The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends reading to children for 20 minutes

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each day

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2. SING

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Singing is an enjoyable way for children
to learn the sounds that make up words

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3. TALK

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Have back and forth conversations with words
or actions

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4. PLAY

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Playing fosters flexible, imaginative and symbolic
thinking

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5. WRITE

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Writing encourages fine motor skill development, including
holding writing utensils

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Look for times to add these 5 practices into
your daily routine, like: diaper changing

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time, bed time, car rides, bath time, or getting
dressed

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Just a few minutes each day of intentional
skill building can help the children in your

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life be ready to read!

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Visit herrickdl.org/EarlyLiteracy for more
information on these Five Literacy

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Practices.