Every Child Ready to Read @ Pickering Public Library

Research shows that children get ready to read years before they start school. This research has inspired the Pickering Public Library to adopt the Every Child Ready to Read program, developed by the Public Library Association.

Pre-literacy begins with you! As a parent, grandparent or caregiver, your role in your child's life is very important. You are your child's first and best teacher. You know your child better than anyone else, and that puts you in the unique position of being able to help your child learn the skills needed to succeed in school and in life.

What is Pre-literacy Literacy?

Pre-literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read and write. You can help your child be ready to read, starting from birth. Research has shown there are six preliteracy skills that your child needs in order to read:

The Six Pre-literacy Skills

Print Motivation: Children who enjoy books and being read to will want to learn how to read for themselves.

Print Awareness: Being familiar with printed language helps children feel comfortable with books and understand that print is useful.

Letter Knowledge: Knowing the names and sounds of letters helps children figure out how to say written words.

Vocabulary: The more words children know, the better able they are to recognize words and understand what they read.

Phonological Awareness: Being aware of the smaller sounds that make up words helps children sound out written words as they begin to read.

Narrative Skills: Being able to tell or retell stories develops comprehension skills that will help children understand what they read.

Activities you do to support these skills will help children on their way to becoming great readers! To get hands-on experience for you and your child attend any of the Library storytimes. Library staff demonstrate the Every Child Ready to Read skills and do fun activities to promote them in every session. The most important thing to remember is to talk, share, laugh, and have fun reading together!

To learn more about the Every Child Ready to Read program at the Pickering Public Library talk to the staff at your local branch.