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.

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 imaginative,
flexible and symbolic thinking.

5. 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.