The Importance of Early Literacy

Materials Provided by the Children’s Book Bank

This week’s visit by the Children’s Book Bank to the Early Works preschool program at Earl Boyles is a good reminder of how important early reading is to young children. Consider that:

• Eighty percent of child’s brain develops by age 3.
• Reading to young children can impact how their brains process stories and contribute to future academic success.
• Children who know more words by kindergarten are better off academically.
• A child’s reading level in third grade is a consistent predictor of high school graduation and college attendance rates.

For additional information on the importance of early literacy, check out these articles:

Education Week: Doctors Enlisted to Deliver Early-Literacy Message

NPR: Baby’s Got Mail: Free Books Boost Early Literacy

New America: Reading Recovery Program Closing Literacy Gap for Early Readers

Huffington Post: Building Blocks to Literacy

Romper: What Happens In Your Baby’s Brain When You Talk, Sing, & Read to Them?

And if there’s a child in your life who you love to read with, take some time over the holidays to continue working on early reading skills. For tips and resources on how, visit Talking is Teaching, and stay tuned to the CI Blog for some great book recommendations for kids, coming next week!