Early Learning Part 4: Supporting Language and Literacy

5 June 2018
Two Adults sat at table with children on their laps writing

TTs Lisa Smith is a Global Leader for young Children at the World Forum Foundation. As part of her early childhood advocacy project she ran a series of workshops in the heart of her local community. With the aim to equip young Romani and Traveller parents and carers with knowledge of the science behind early childhood development.

We wanted to share our new knowledge with Travellers' Times readers and take you with us on our learning journey……..writes Lisa. 

So far, using the  Science of Early Childhood Development Toolkit we have looked at Brain development, a positive guidance approach to supporting children and the power of play. This week we are looking at supporting children's language and literacy. 

We first looked at what literacy means and came to the agreement that it is the ability to read and write. 

The Word Literacy in the centre of the page with words on the outside describing what people think it is. Reading writing spellings making senses of letters making sense of words

The term “early literacy” refers to skills that are developed during the first years of a child's life that are needed  to learn to read and write. These super important  skills are developed in very early childhood and  play a role in how well a child will succeed in later life at school.

Babies are born with an amazing ability to take in and learn language, from the age of six months ,they will try to communicate and begin initiating exchanges, These early language experiences set a foundation for later language learning.

We looked at lots of things we could do support 'early literacy' and found the one simple thing that  made a HUGE difference in children's language learning was how often adults talk with them.

The more children are talked to the better their vocabularies are and the stronger foundation they will have for literacy.Children who hear less language and fewer words still learn to speak normally but have more restricted vocabulary and are more likely to have more difficulty learning to read or write.

There are so many opportunities everyday  to talk with children. From  having breakfast to going for a walk, as well as quieter times like reading a book. 

Reading and story time can be a special time for parents and children to spend together. If it’s relaxed and happy it builds your relationship and helps children build their sense of security and self-esteem. Language helps us understand ourselves and make sense of the world and books and stories help children develop language and thinking!

Check out this video below for some top tips to get the most out of reading with young children to support their early language and literacy.

 
 

We caught up with James father of two a couple of weeks after the session to see if he had taken anything away from the workshops on supporting language and literacy.

James said: "We never really read together, but now I make more of an effort I  try to be in the book with her now, asking her questions about the people in. I know its the little things everyday now that make the difference",

Check out the what can you do section below to support younger children's language and literacy development age 0-3 years. 

Nurseries and pre-schools can provide extra opportunities for children to develop their language and literacy skills  and prepare them for school. You can find out where your nearest nursery or play school is here. 

Did you know that all 3 and 4 year olds in England can get free early years education? and if your child  is 2 years old they could be eligible for up to for 15 hours a week early years education in a nursery near you. To find out more and to check the structures if you live in Northern Ireland, Scotland or Wales visit Gov.uk.

 

Young Dad reading with daughter
Find books that children can connect and identify with and allow them to explore Romani language in print.

Supporting language and literacy for children 0-3 years old - What can you do?

Language development is best supported by talking with children 

Talk to your child even before they can talk back to you.

  • Talk and sing to your baby while they are still in the womb They will get used to your voice and the rhythm of your speech and recognise it once they are born.
  • New-born's communicate right from birth through to facial features, gestures and early vocalizations.
  • Respond to their communication with language and nurturance to help babies learn the back and fourth of conversation to stimulate their language development. 

Use opportunities throughout the day to talk with children 

  • Talk with children during everyday routines, when dressing them at mealtimes. Help them develop their vocabulary by mimicking people and pointing out features of different objects. For example, say "You are drinking from a red cup". 
  • Ask children questions related to what they are doing or seeing for example, ask ' "do you see the bird?" "Where do you think the bird is going?"
  • Describe what you are seeing and doing, for example, "I see the car coming". 
  • Label feelings and encourage children to express their thoughts and feelings.
  • For example, ask 'You look sad what happened?' 

Read books, sing songs and tell stories with children. 

  • Look at the pictures in books or magazines posters and brochures and encourage children to name and talk about what they see.
  • Think about songs rhymes and stories from your own childhood and share them.
Tags
Literacy