Resources
Parent Resources:
- Reading Rockets Tips for Parents
Mulitilingual site - great stuff. - Local Library
Visit your local library. - Preschool Path
Resources for parents with preschoolers. - Zero to Three
Website for the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. Find information on children development, care and education and a great section of resources for parents. - Zero to Three: Tips and Tools for Early Language and Literacy
Tips and tools for early language and literacy from Zero to Three, the National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families. - More Than Baby Talk
An article that touches on singing and playing, as well as reading and talking, to develop language skills for babies and toddlers. - Building a Home Library Ages 0-3
The ALA-Children’s Book Council (CBC) Joint Committee, with cooperation from the ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee, has created this bibliography to provide guidance to parents, grandparents, and others interested in assembling a high-quality library for their children at home. - Views2: Valuable Initiative in Early Learning that Work Successfully
As librarians and educators you are aware of the value of exposing children to a wide variety of literacy concepts from birth. Valuable Initiatives in Early Learning that Work Successfully (VIEWS2) is the first research study that validates what you already knew: Storytimes can provide many opportunities to help children develop early literacy skills. - Supercharged Storytime
Engaging young learners is an essential aspect of public library service. Through Supercharged Storytimes, OCLC, along with partners at the Washington State Library and Thrive Washington, has introduced over 500 public library staff members to research-based methods to engage children in storytime, using resources and strategies developed by Project VIEWS2 (Valuable Initiatives in Early Learning that Work Successfully).
Dialogic Reading
Dialogic Reading means talking with your child about what you are reading. It is one of the most powerful tools you can use to help your child get ready to learn to read. This works best with picture books, but you can use these techniques even without a book.
How do I do Dialogic Reading?
Ask open-ended questions about the book, like "What is happening in this picture?" If your child doesn't know what to say about a picture, provide something and have your child repeat it. As your child gets used to open-ended questions, ask your child to say more.
Expand what your child says. Keep the expansions short and simple. If your child says, "The bunny is wearing a coat," respond, "Yes. The bunny is wearing a blue coat, isn't he? Can you say that?" Have your child repeat your expansions. As your child gets used to open-ended questions, ask him or her to say more.
If you have time, read a book twice. The first time, just read the book as you normally would. The second time, ask questions while you are reading and let your child direct you through the book. Remember to praise and encourage your child as you explore the book together.
The most important thing to remember when reading with your child is to make it a positive experience. If your child is in a bad mood, put the book away for another time. If your child thinks of reading as a fun or comforting thing to do, he or she will be a better reader.
Choosing Books
Pre-Talkers - 0 to 2 years old
- Choose sturdy board books that your baby can play with and hold
- Choose books with colorful, simple illustrations – less detail
- Choose books with illustrations that have sharp contrasts – black and white
- Choose books with photographs of real babies
- Choose books with pictures of familiar objects
- Choose books with simple stories
- Choose books with only a few words per page
Talkers - 2 to 3 years old
- Choose books with simple stories
- Choose books with colorful and interesting illustrations
- Choose books with pictures of familiar items – talk about them with your child
- Choose picture books with predictable stories and repeating words and phrases
- Choose picture books about familiar activities – talk with your child about how he/she does these things too
- Choose books with favorite characters and subjects
Pre-Readers - 3 to 5 years old
- Choose books that reflect the interests of your child
- Allow your child to choose some of the books you will read together
- Choose books with rhyming words, tongue twisters, alliteration and silly songs
- Choose wordless picture books and let your child tell the story
