Marcela Viviana Toscano, an early intervention specialist from the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina, created a powerpoint presentation about an early literacy project for families. The presentation includes information about the importance of early literacy and ideas for incorporating it into daily routines. Activities include early communication, making choices, and providing support and a workshop for families.
The presentation, which is in both English and Spanish, highlights some important points to remember in early literacy.
1. Read to babies and young children!
- Books help babies to learn to communicate with others.
- Babies enjoy the time being close to family members and others during reading time.
- Books help babies to learn about the world around them.
2. Create or adapt books for babies
- Books can be made of cloth, plastic, cardboard or heavy paper.
- Books using real objects or three-dimensional materials that can be touched or that have moving parts are more interesting.
- Images should be simple, familiar, and colorful.
- There should be little or no text at first.
- Use rhymes or playful language.
Parents and caregivers can promote literacy at home!
3. Give choices!
4.Encourage active exploration.
5. Use bookstands
or slant boards to bring books up at an angle where the child can see them more easily.
6. Provide a chance for children to practice writing, as well as reading.
For very young children, this means giving them the tools to “scribble” and explore.
7. Create books at home!
8. Use objects as props to illustrate books.
9. Provide braille, as well as tactile illustrations.
10. Enjoy reading together!
Download the powerpoint presentation in Spanish or English.
Te Cuento un Cuento (Spanish Version)
I’ll Tell You a Story (English Version)
