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

By age three a child’s brain has formed
three 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.

One, read.

The American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends reading to children

for 20 minutes each day

Two, 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.

Four, play.

Playing fosters imaginative
and symbolic thinking.

Five, write.

Writing encourages
fine motor skill development,

including holding writing utensils.

Look for times to work
these five 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.