Thursday, October 6, 2011

You are your child's first teacher

Before your child goes to school or learns how to read, he or she needs all sorts of pre-reading skills. And who should teach these skills to your child? You!

Young children, beginning even before they're born, learn through interaction with you and the other loving adults in their lives. Here are a few tips to help you get started.

  • You can start reading to your baby as soon as they can hear (even in the womb!). Simply hearing written language being read aloud will make neurological connections in your child's brain.
  • Interaction while reading is more important than finishing a book or reading each word of a story. The best literacy skill a child can learn is that reading is fun!
  • Rhyming and singing with your baby will help him or her develop listening skills and language abilities. Rhymes and songs are great even before your baby can respond to you, and it's also an excellent way to bond!
Attending library story programs is also delightfully beneficial! Our programs are designed for specific age groups with developmentally appropriate activities. Stop in and pick up a calendar, call us at 617-972-6435, or check online to find out when we're having programs that are perfect for your child!