Supporting Early Literacy

1. 1 Supporting Early Literacy

2. Hosting Notes Opportunity: for parents to examine how they support their child’s early learning, literacy and development by: • Exploring the meaning of ‘literacy’ and its key role in a child’s future success. • Exploring when and how children are preparing for reading and literacy. • Exploring how everyday interactions, activities and routines help build the foundation for literacy. • Exploring how reading and storytelling helps to build healthy brains and support development. • Examining how their own orientation towards books and reading can support a child to develop a love for reading. • Sharing successes and experiences in engaging available people and resources to support early literacy.

3. 2 Supporting Early Literacy Conversation Overview What is literacy and why is it important for your child? What are the foundational skills that children need in order to be ready to learn to read and write? How does reading aloud and storytelling support early literacy and learning? Read, sing, talk and play are the foundation for literacy. How do you enjoy these activities with your child? What resources, people or places in the community can help to support early literacy? Education for Communities, Communities for Education

4. Hosting Notes Are there are other burning questions around early literacy parents would like to discuss… Suggestion: • Use a flipchart/blackboard/newsprint on table/ to record these questions and revisit them at the end of the session. Explore: Start the conversation by asking parents if they had a favorite book as a child.

5. 3 What are your hopes and dreams for your child’s learning and future?

6. Hosting Notes There are many reasons that parents/caregivers have for taking the time to learn about their child… • Something motivated parents to be here – take the time to find out what they would like to get from these conversations. • Make a point of letting all parents be heard. • Validate parents efforts and commitment to their child by being here. • Emphasize the shared interest among the group in their children – talking with other adults offers a great support and chance to share knowledge and experience. Suggestions:

7. 4 What is literacy?Why is literacy so important for your child’s future? Explore: Alberta Education video: “Literacy: A World to Discover” Or Parent Café handout *“Literacy- A changing definition.”

8. Hosting Notes Literacy is reading, writing and so much more in a person’s life… Today’s changing definition of literacy includes many other “essential skills”: • Reading • Writing • Document use • Numeracy • Computer use • Thinking • Oral Communication • Working with others • Continuous learning Explore: Alberta Education, 2010, Literacy First: A Plan for Action. • A child with strong literacy skills is more likely to experience success in school and in our personal, social and work life. • ‘Learning to read’ builds the foundation needed for ‘reading to learn’. • Strong communication skills have a positive effect on a child’s social • and emotional development. • To navigate successfully in today’s ‘knowledge based society,’ • the literacy level needed is at least that of a high school graduate. • Literacy impacts society as a whole - it is linked to improved health, • active community participation, lifelong learning, and lower risk of • criminal activity.

9. 5 What is ‘early literacy’ ?Why is early literacy so important for your child’s future development? Explore: Albert Shanker Institute’s video: The early language gap is more than about words.

10. Hosting Notes Early literacy is the foundational development (i.e. brain, emotional and physical development) that happens in the process of becoming literate… • It’s not too early to start - the brain is getting ready to read earlier than you think! • We are preparing children for literacy through the everyday interactions, activities and routines that contribute to a healthy developmental foundation. • Reading builds brains… cognitive development and attention spans are built minute by minute, page pay page, day by day. • Language is learned by hearing, the repetition of stories and books are helpful. • The back and forth of talking, reading and sharing stories with a child supports the development of important executive function, emotional and social skills. • Reading books with children creates an intimate bond or relationship, building a happy bridge that can be crossed. Relationship, relationship, relationship! (protection from the negative impacts of stress). Did you know?: Reach Out and Read isnowin Canada – doctors and nurses are working together to prescribe books and literacy advice in order to support early literacy, overall development and school readiness. That’s how important it is for healthy development! Read more: New York Times – Read, Kids, Read May 12, 2014 – Research links – the value of reading.

11. 6 What are the foundational skills that children need in order to be ready to learn to read and write? Explore: Think of all the thinking, physical and language skills that help us to read.

12. Hosting Notes The foundational skills for literacy or “roots for reading” include: Language skills: strong base of first language listening speaking awareness of speech sounds (phonemic) vocabulary language structure Thinking skills: attention - ability to tune out distractions organization motivation – curiosity memory – visual and auditory discrimination – visual and auditory critical thinking – problem solving background knowledge pool of mental images – inner pictures Physical Skills: healthy body – physical stamina visual – eye tracking fine motor skills (i.e. hold a pencil, hold book, turn pages) First 2000 Days Network http://www.2000days.ca Explore:

13. 7 Literacy is built on a foundation of talking, exploring, singing, playing.How do you and your child enjoy these activities together? Explore: Think of the many activities you share throughout your daily life with your child that are already supporting literacy?

14. Hosting Notes The foundations for literacy are built through the everyday activities – keep up the great work! Talking: i.e. Sharing stories, talking about our day, conversation at family meals. Speaking: i.e. Speaking with my child in our first language Exploring: i.e. Visiting places in the community such as the park, the grocery store, library or community gardens and talking about what we see together. Playing: i.e. Creative play: i.e. art, games, puppets, acting, as well as turning household activities like baking and shopping into fun activities. Singing: i.e. Singing songs and nursery rhymes. Explore: OOKE Island ABC’s of Family Literacy (ABC Life Literacy Canada).

15. 8 How does talking support early learning and literacy? Explore:

16. Hosting Notes Talking ‘with’ a child is key to literacy development… • Talking ‘with’ vs. talking ‘at’ a child is important for feelings of validation and confidence. • Conversation builds vocabulary which is the foundation of reading and language – use pictures, stories, games, objects, etc. • Research shows that children who have a strong foundation in their home language achieve greater success at school and with second language. • Important family time and relationships comes from reading and conversation. • Strong oral language supports development of executive function (the brain’s “air traffic control system”), which impacts all learning and behavior. Explore: Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Service’s resource for parents. Winning ways to talk with your child.

17. 9 How does sharing songs and rhymes support early learning and literacy? Explore: What are your favorite songs and rhymes to sing with your child?

18. Hosting Notes Singing with your child… • Builds vocabulary and teaches rhythm and phrasing of speech. • Builds awareness of the sounds that make up syllables and words • Babies are more responsive when singing comes from parents than a recording. • Helps a child’s ability to think in words and uses both sides of the brain. • Causes endorphins to flow, stimulating good feeling throughout the body and stimulating brain activity. • Teaches children storytelling and sequencing of events. • Encourages self-expression. • Builds relationships among parents and children. • Strengthens memory. • Others? Explore: Dr. S. Blythe’s The Genius of Natural Childhood, Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology, shows that 'signature' melodies and inflections of traditional rhymes prepare children's brains for language. Synopsis availablehttp://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/may/08/singing-children-development-language-skills

19. 10 How does playing support early language and literacy? Explore: For a more in depth look at play, share and discuss Stuart Brown’s Ted Talk: Play is More than Just Fun.

20. Hosting Notes Play… • Is fun! • Is not a distraction or break from learning but HOW children learn and develop! Building understanding, thinking skills and confidence. • During play, a child’s brain is taking in information using all five senses, creating and responding to sound, sight, touch, taste, and smell. These combine to create connections in the brain that help the child to make sense of the world and create the foundation for future learning and development. • A chance to explore, creates experiences and develops knowledge that builds vocabulary. • Builds connections in the brain, supporting learning and growth in all realms of development - physical, social, thinking, emotional, i.e. creative play is supporting “air traffic control” system. • Provides opportunities to rehearse and practice skills and try out ideas. Remember that brain connections (synapses) need repetition to strengthen! • Builds self esteem - by doing things over and over children can experience success. Read more: Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination and invigorates the soul. Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan (2010)

21. 11 Why is reading aloud and storytelling important?Calgary Reads read aloud video Explore: Do you spend at least 15 happy minutes every single day reading aloud? What gets in the way of everyday reading?

22. Hosting Notes Reading aloud and storytelling are foundational for literacy… • Creates an intimate bond between parent and child, an opportunity to share feelings. Relationship is a key factors that supports healthy development and buffers a child from the impacts of stress. • Talking about stories and making connections to our own experiences supports a child’s social and emotional development and mental health. • Builds a happy bridge between child and books that can be crossed. • Attention spans are built minute by minute, page by page, day by day. “Shared attention” beginning in infancy, and is a first step to important higher thinking skills. • Connects children to the stories of people, places and experiences far from their own life which contributes to developing empathy. The more “experience” a child has with a word, the more easily they will decode that word. (eg. lime vs lion) • Books give us the opportunity to hear the richness of story language rather than signal language (“Once upon a time..” rather than “Get your shoes and coat!”). Words rarely used in conversation are found in books. • Supports traditions of storytelling that is an important part of many cultures. Explore: Children need a vocabulary Of 5000 words entering kindergarten to be successful at school and it builds from there… CPL Guided Reading video Jim Trelease Bookmark summary Read Aloud Handbook http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/read-aloud-brochure.pdfSummary at What can we do about the things that get in the way of everyday reading?

23. 12 How do you help your child develop a love for books and reading? Explore: What is the book that your child most enjoys reading? Where and when do you read together with your child? What are your favorite routines around reading?

24. Hosting Notes Parents promote a love of reading by: • Keeping the experience fun and positive! Spend 15 happy minutes reading! • Having books in the home. • Reading aloud daily with child. • Being expressive while reading. • Providing a cozy, comfortable reading space. • Reading in their home language or with dual language books. • Giving children chances to engage with the books: holding them, turning pages, looking at the pictures, and telling the story. • Modeling – ensure children often see parents reading. (Calgary Reads> Be a reading role model) • Choose books that each child will enjoy. • Others? Explore: *An ABC for Parents, Centre for Family Literacy the more time a child spends listening to a loved one read the more likely she’ll be a strong reader later. (Did you know that only 31% of kids read for pleasure at ten years, and only 19% by grade 12…. etc… (source…)

25. 13 How do you and your child choose books to read? Explore: How do we know when a book is at the right level for our child to practice reading? What is your child’s favorite book? Why?

26. Hosting Notes Considerations when choosing books for young children… • Offer a variety of books to read but a few read often is more effective than many not read at all. Children often want to read their favorite books over and over again, they will enjoy this experience and continue to learn. Repetition supports strong synapses (connections between neurons) that protects them from being pruned away. • Books come in all shapes and sizes! Board books, bathtub books, books to touch (and chew) appeal to a young sensory child. • Let children help choose the book! Follow the lead of the child, children tend to stay interested when they have the chance to read, look at pictures and talk about things that interest them, or include stories they relate to. • Books for dads (?) • Others? Suggestion: Have on hand a variety of age appropriate books from the local Calgary Public library to spark conversation. Local librarian’s are a fantastic resource! Explore: *Calgary Public Library’s Kid’s Only Great Books *Calgary Reads 50 Books To Read Before You Are 8! *Centre for Family Literacy - Resources for Parents

27. 14 What else would be helpful for you to support your child’s early literacy?What resources, people or places in your community might provide support? Explore: Encourage sharing of specific local resources.

28. Hosting Notes Parents taking advantage of local resources and supports: Examples: • I use the Calgary Public Library programs and I always ask the librarian for book recommendations. • I look to the Inform Alberta website and search literacy programs to find programs in my community. • Calgary Public Library has a video on how to do guided reading. • Calgary Public library has materials for ESL students, the Literacy Collection. • CPL has a free Grow a Reader app teaches parents and caregivers how to develop early literacy skills in young children • CPL Early world of learning • Pre2three • Ooka Island Learn to Read adventures (ages 3-7) Explore: The Calgary Public Library has a wealth of on-line and program resources. *Calgary Reads, Inventory of programs and services impacting literacy for young children in Calgary.

29. 15 After our discussion today, would you like to set a goal or try something new to support reading and literacy development in your home or community? Explore: What resources will you check out? Who will you share something with that you learned today?

30. Hosting Notes Great ideas for home and community… Examples: • Host a nightly family reading time complete with snacks. • Attend a library program • Install a “Little Free Library” in your community. Ask grandparents or other family or neighbors to share stories with children. • more... Explore: Do you want to make a difference in your community by supporting literacy? First 2000 Days EC Network Café Institute Would you like to host others in conversations around supporting literacy? Calgary Reads provides support and resources for parents and teachers who would like to tutor struggling readers, host Family Literacy events or lead Literacy Action team initiatives in their school community. Suggestion: Have parents share their ideas and goals with the group and note to revisit them at the end of the sessions. Remember to revisit, review and answer the noted questions.