Early Literacy

What We Know About Early Literacy
Early literacy (reading and writing) does not mean early reading instruction or teaching babies to read; it is the natural development of skills through the enjoyment of books, the importance of positive interactions between babies and parents, and the critical role of literacy-rich experiences.

Literacy development begins at birth and is closely linked to a baby’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Babies learn language through social literacy experiences - parents interacting with them using books. These experiences also serve to associate books with parental affection, attention, and approval.

Read to Succeed!
A study of three to five year olds who had been read to at least three times per week found the children:

• Two times more likely to recognize all letters.
• Two times more likely to have word-sight recognition.
• Two times more likely to understand words in context.

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study found that 62% of parents with a high socioeconomic status read to their children every day compared to only 36% of parents with a low socioeconomic status.

Source: National Institute for Family Literacy, http://www.nifl.gov/nifl/facts/parental.html, 1999.

Following are links to a variety of studies and resources that show how early childhood literacy positively impacts success in school.

• Parent Involvement and Early Literacy
• The Perry Preschool Longitudinal Study
• Differential Effects of Home Literacy Experiences on the Development of Oral and Written Language
• Telecollaborative Project (A compilation of research, strategies, and resources for teachers and parents.)
• Dr. Eugene W. Hickok, Under Secretary of Education Testimony Before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Education Reform Hearing on The Dawn of Learning: What's Working in Early Childhood Education
• Teaching Our Youngest: A Guide for Preschool Teachers and Child Care and Family Providers (Note: link opens a PDF file.)
• National Institute for Literacy: Parental Involvement in Early Literacy
• Schools, Skills, and Synapses by James J. Heckman
• National Evaluation & Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk: NDTAC Issue Brief: Reading Literacy
• ProLiteracy Worldwide: Number of Functionally Illiterate Adults in U.S. Is Growing
• National Center for Education Statistics: Literacy Behind Prison Walls