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90% of a child’s brain capacity develops[br]before age five.

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By age three a child’s brain has formed[br]three quadrillion connections!

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

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for early reading success.

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Caregivers can help young children develop[br]early literacy skills

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by using these five practices,[br]developed by early childhood experts.

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One, read.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics[br]recommends reading to children

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for 20 minutes each day

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Two, sing.

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

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3. TALK

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Have back and forth conversations[br]with words or actions.

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Four, play.

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Playing fosters imaginative[br]and symbolic thinking.

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Five, write.

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Writing encourages[br]fine motor skill development,

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including holding writing utensils

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

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time, bed time, car rides, bath time, or getting[br]dressed

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Just a few minutes each day of intentional[br]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[br]information on these Five Literacy

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Practices.