5 Practices of Early Literacy
When you sing, you slow down words. This helps your child hear the smaller sounds, learn syllables, and develop vocabulary. Singing also helps develop listening and memory skills.
Singing together is a fun bonding experience - whether you're a good singer or not!
- Ages 0-1: Dance to music that you and your baby enjoy. Sing nursery rhymes together, but also listen to your favorite music - your baby may recognize your grown-up tunes.
- Ages 1-2: Create songs about everyday activities, such as changing a diaper or putting on clothes. Adapt the tune “Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush” to “This Is the Way We…”
- Ages 2-3: Clap, shake, or bounce to the beat of songs.
- Ages 3-5: Make up your own words to familiar tunes to create silly songs. Let your child choose unique animals for “Old McDonald Had a Farm” and unique actions for “If You’re Happy and You Know It.”
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Tell Me a Story!
Ask you child to tell you a story. Why? This helps develop imagination and vocabulary.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Make it a Letter Day!
Find the first letter of your child's name in books or labels. This helps them focus on the print and not just the pictures in a book.
Tear it Up!
Create collages by tearing paper with just your hands. This activity strengthens the muscles needed for gripping a pencil.
Tell Me a Story!
Ask you child to tell you a story. Why? This helps develop imagination and vocabulary.
Spring is Here!
On a nature walk, talk about the changes you see happening outside. Conversations help children learn about the world around them.
Make it a Letter Day!
Find the first letter of your child's name in books or labels. This helps them focus on the print and not just the pictures in a book.
Reading Challenge
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten
Unlock your child's potential with this reading challenge. For ages 0-5.
Sing and Rhyme
Remember the Itsy Bitsy Spider, opens a new window and Humpty Dumpty, opens a new window? There are thousands of rhymes and fingerplays you can use to brighten up a trip to the grocery store or a long wait at the doctor's office.
Watch these experts perform their favorites, then try them out for yourself!
For more rhymes from Tell Me a Story, opens a new window, visit their YouTube Channel, opens a new window.
Or visit StoryBlocks, opens a new window and Reading Is Fundamental's YouTube channel, opens a new window.
Suggested Websites
Feel the rhythm!
Bounce your baby or toddler to the beat of your favorite rhymes. This helps children to feel and hear the rhythm of language.
Rhyme time!
On a car trip, pick a word and see how many rhymes you can think of for that word.
Have a dance party!
Let your child choose the songs on the playlist.
Discover new things to do...every day!
Get daily ideas for what to read, watch, sing, and try with your child from the Day By Day Ohio Family Literacy Calendar.
Feel the rhythm!
Bounce your baby or toddler to the beat of your favorite rhymes. This helps children to feel and hear the rhythm of language.
Rhyme time!
On a car trip, pick a word and see how many rhymes you can think of for that word.
Have a dance party!
Let your child choose the songs on the playlist.
Discover new things to do...every day!
Get daily ideas for what to read, watch, sing, and try with your child from the Day By Day Ohio Family Literacy Calendar.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.
Kristen C.
When she’s not working with kids here at the library, you might find her on the bike trail or baking up a sweet treat.
Ashleigh M.
Ashleigh loves to see people grow and become their best selves here at the library.
Annamarie C
Annamarie loves all things Disney! When she's not planning her next storytime, she's likely traveling or volunteering at the Columbus Zoo.
Katie R.
Katie knows all of the tricks to start your baby on the path to lifelong reading.
