National Institute for Literacy

A Child Becomes a Reader: Birth Through Preschool National Institute for Literacy

Publisher Marketing: Mothers, fathers, grandparents, and caregivers, this booklet is for you. It gives ideas for playing, talking, and reading with your child that will help them become a good reader and writer later in life. You don't need special training or expensive materials. For your baby or toddler, you can just include some simple, fun language games and activities into the things you already do together every day. For your preschooler, you can keep in touch with your child's teachers so that you know what he is learning in school and support that learning at home. This booklet contains: A short summary of what scientific research says about how children learn to read and write Things you can do with your children from birth through age 2 to help them become readers Things you can do with your children between the ages 3-4 and what to look for in quality day care centers and preschools to help your children become readers A list of helpful terms. Throughout the booklet, these terms appear in bold type Ideas for books to read and organizations to contact if you would like more help or information Remember, keep it simple and have fun. Make these activities part of the warm, loving relationship you are already creating with your child.