Early Literacy

Current research on early literacy and brain development indicates that it is never too early to prepare children for success as readers. Early literacy skills begin to develop in the first 5 years of life. Your child's early experiences with books and language lay the foundation for success in learning to read.

 

Road to Reading Programs at the Library

Start your child on The Road to Reading. The Children’s Librarians at the Northport-East Northport Public Library can help you nurture your child’s early literacy skills. The Road to Reading is a progressive series of programs for children and parents held throughout the school year. These programs help children develop listening and thinking skills, along with a lifelong love of reading.

Download a poster from the Minnesota Library Association that describes the six pre-reading skills to help your child prepare for kindergarten. (Minnesota Library Association C 2007). Scroll down for additional recommended websites on early literacy.

Each month during the school year, the Northport-East Northport Public Library publishes a calendar of suggestions for activities and ideas to help you encourage your child through the six levels of early literacy skill sets.  Click here to see the current monthly calendar of early literacy activities (Sept.-May) and an introductory letter.

 

Backpack Story Time

Backpack Storytimes promote early literacy skills by providing thematic and age-appropriate literature, music and activities.  These kits will help you create a fun and stimulating environment wherever you are, which is key to creating a lifelong love of books and learning.

Recommended booklists

 

Early Literacy on the Internet

The following websites include additional information about early literacy and activities you can do at home.