Early Childhood Literacy

Early childhood is a critical time to develop a love of reading. MSU Extension programming is designed to help parents and caregivers make the most of their reading time with their children. It supports and enhances book reading in seven areas of school readiness: math and science, reading readiness, music and movement, motor skills, thinking skills, art, and pretend play.

Michigan State University Extension recommends parents and caregivers read to their child for 30 minutes a day. When this daily reading time begins at birth, children can go to Kindergarten with more than 900 hours of reading time under their belts! However, when that is reduced to just 30 minutes a week, children leave for Kindergarten with only 130 hours of reading experience. Keep in mind this time doesn’t have to be consecutive: just a few minutes here and there spent on literacy activities can quickly add up to the recommended 30 minutes. Throughout the day, try things like reading the cereal box at breakfast or signs on the way to school to add to your literacy work.

In addition to these recommendations, MSU Extension offers the following trainings to support children’s language and literacy development: ABC’s of Early Literacy, Raising Young Readers and Hands on Literacy Activities. Look at the events calendar to find out when these programs are being offered near you or contact an early childhood educator to book a presentation at your library, childcare center, school or other community program.

For more information, contact an early childhood educator near you.

Check out MSU Extension's video based resources on the MSU Extension Early Childhood YouTube channel. Topics of videos include: friendship skills, communication, developing independence, cooperation, misbehavior, early literacy, sibling relationships and much more. New video topics are added frequently!

MSU Extension also offers a variety of downloadable resources for parents and caregivers interested in learning about language and literacy in young children.

News

New prescription for parents: Read to your babies

Published on July 16, 2014
The American Academy of Pediatrics has released a new policy statement recommending that parents and caregivers begin reading out loud to their children beginning in infancy.
Kindergarten readiness: language and literacy

Published on May 13, 2014
The National Education Goals Panel has identified five essential areas of school readiness. This is the third of five articles exploring the critical skills needed for children to be Kindergarten ready in each of these five areas.
ABC’s of Early Literacy: The importance of developing early literacy skills

Published on November 18, 2013
Emergent literacy, or reading readiness, skills begin to develop very early in life. These critical school-readiness skills go beyond knowing the ABC’s. Learn more about how to support your children’s reading readiness and school success!