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
Three, talk.
Have back and forth conversations
with words or actions.
Four, play.
Playing fosters imaginative, flexible
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.