Early Childhood Language & Literacy Development

Overview

Children aged 3 to 5 are acquiring numerous skills. One of the most important is their ability to understand and become aware of printed material and to enjoy the use of language. These skills, commonly known as early language and literacy development, have significant impact on a child's academic abilities as she enters the elementary grades.

Significance

Language and literacy skills precede reading and writing. A child who is exposed to printed material, has awareness of letters and sounds, can make basic scribbles and enjoys the written word has better opportunity for success in school, notes Zerotothree.org. Children with phonemic awareness, the understanding that words are made of sounds and syllables, as well as a basic understanding of the letters of the alphabet are poised for academic success.

Time Frame

Language and literacy development doesn't start at preschool or kindergarten. The time to start working with your child on his language and literacy skills is literally from birth. Reading to your child at night, singing to her when changing her diaper, pointing out objects at the store and naming them are all critical in her language development. Waiting for formal training in school puts a child significantly behind and may require a school to provide academic intervention to increase a child's academic progress, notes the Child Care and Early Education Research Connections group.

Considerations

Researchers at Child Care and Early Education Research Connections note that language and literacy development in children doesn't have just one form. Instead, they find that a mix of approaches works best. Reading aloud to a child as well as giving children a chance to participate in the reading by repeating particular phrases is one method. Zerotothree.org notes that painting, pointing to things and naming them, singing and telling stories all improve language awareness. The researchers also suggest making good quality printed material available to kids is key to their early literacy development.

Misconceptions

Early childhood language and literacy development isn't limited to reading, as writing abilities are important as well. Children need ample opportunity to scribble. Scribbling and drawing not only develop the fine motor skills that are required to hold a pencil, but it also helps fine-tune the child's hand-eye coordination to enable writing. In addition, parents are not solely responsible for the development of these skills. Grandparents and caregivers share the responsibility for helping a child learn to understand the power of language through simple acts such as telling stories from their childhood or pointing to objects and naming them during a stroll in the park. They should also make drawing materials available to children to ensure that their writing skills develop.

Identification

Early language and literacy development means that your child can do a number of things. While he won't be able to read, he can manipulate a book properly--opening and closing it as well as turning the pages. He should also gaze at and recognize pictures, perhaps laughing as a favorite picture appears. He will show that he comprehends the book, either by imitating an action or a gesture from the story. He may also mimic your reading to him, by pointing to the pages and babbling quietly to himself. He will also make scribbles that are largely nonsensical, but he may begin to develop a pattern of lines across a page, mimicking lines of text.