Orville Prescott said, “Few children learn to love books by themselves. Someone has to lure them into the wonderful world of the written word; someone has to show them the way.”

The goal in developmentally appropriate literacy is to help children understand that communication is a whole process in which the four language arts - speaking, listening, reading, and writing - are interrelated, not separate isolated skills. Certain skills and abilities appear in children before others. Early experiences in listening and speaking serve as beginnings for further language and communication in reading and writing areas.

Many people believe that language is the basis for becoming literate. Without language, it might be impossible to develop the ability to read and write. So it is important for young children to recognize that “talk” can be written and that “written talk” can be read. Play provides the interaction of imagery, imitation, and language, which builds a foundation necessary for learning to read. Parents and teachers can facilitate learning and enjoyment of reading through the child’s experimentation. There is no proven best method. The most important factor seems to be enthusiasm.

Infants: Reading Rhymes – One of the best ways to develop language and literacy skills in young children is to read rhymes to them every day. Using my book Teaching with Heart… every day is an excellent way to begin building these skills. Holding infants and the book at the same time will lure them into the wonderful world of reading.

Toddlers: Favorite Books – Read favorite books over and over again. Child psychologist Bruno Bettelheim believes the “favorite” book fills a personal need of the child. The book, a kind of paper security blanket, is calming some fear or concern. When children have gotten all they can from the book or when the problems that directed them to it have been outgrown, then they’ll be ready to move on to something else. When reading to children encourage their participation by repeating ongoing phrases.

Preschool: Reading Recall – After reading, ask children to recall vocabulary, ideas, and information. Use the illustrations to have the child predict what will happen next in the story. This helps to develop critical thinking skills. After they have heard the story a few times, have them tell you the story or have them tell it to others. Keep a list of the books you’ve read together and for every 10 - 15 books read they get to do something special with you like going to the library, or to a bookstore.

Bev Bos said, “Above all else, parents and teachers need to be readers. Children need to see us deeply involved in books. They need to see us crying, even sobbing, over books. They need to see us reading and laughing. They need to see that we are interested in a variety of reading materials. We need to read aloud to each other – passages from books, essays, poetry, and letters from friends. If children can get from us a sense of passion and wonder about words, stories, books, they will want to read.”