Encouraging Literacy in Young Children

I’m pretty sure none of you will argue that literacy is a must in our society. The first few years of life are really important to getting a good start on it. A child’s success throughout his/her entire education is dependent on his/her ability to read. It’s amazing how much you can increase a child’s interest in books simply by creating a cozy space (or two) in your home that is dedicated to books.

In our house, we now have two “reading centers.” They have very similar set-ups, both containing the following items: one or two child-sized cozy chairs, a basket of soft cuddly toys, a blanket on the floor as a mat, and a dozen or more board books in a basket. The only difference is that downstairs we also have an adult rocking chair in that area, and another basket of books that I would call “needing adult assistance” AKA “don’t trust young children not to rip out the pages.” To keep interest up, all the books are on a rotation – 3 sets of our own books, plus I get books from the library every two weeks. The blankets are soft toys are also rotated every two weeks.

If you decide to do this yourself, remember you might need to "model" reading for them. Sit down in their space with the books and read to your child. Lie down and read your own book, and so on. The more they see you, the more they will follow!

I’m really impressed with how much Jonah and Miles will actually now spend looking at books. I can’t tell you how many times it has gotten quiet in the playroom and we wonder “what they’re getting into?” only to peek in and see them both sitting and looking at books. Too cute! See for yourself by looking below at a couple of pictures taken this past week.

And remember, literacy isn't just about reading little children's stories. You can make your child more aware of printed words in all kinds of circumstances - at the grocery store looking at food labels, in the bath looking at shampoo bottles, and at home or in the car, examining warning labels on toys, carseats, playpens, and so on!





Yes, occasionally the reading center DOES get destroyed and the boys just have fun carrying around the giant chairs and sitting in them in silly ways!