Early literacy is what children know about reading before they actually read, write or attend school. This includes everything from a baby teething on a board book, to a clever four-year-old who memorize the text in a simple picture book. Reading is an important way of fostering brain development. The outside world shapes the brain's wiring via the senses. Introducing a child to books from birth helps nurture the development of the synapses in the brain that are needed for brain growth.

Synapse picture credit to Public Library Association
Synapse picture - credit to Public Library Association

Reading to children also impacts their emotional and social development, as they share stories with those they care for. Because brain development and early literacy follow the "use it or lose it" principle, exposure to reading should occur early and often. Healthcare providers can facilitate this. Primary care providers who incorporate literacy counseling in their visits do make a difference. In the Reach Out and Read Program:

  • Rhode Island Hospital found a 40% increase in child-centered literacy activities among program participants.
  • Boston area participants were four times more likely to mention books as a favorite activity than non-participants; AFDC families who participated were eight times more likely to do so; parents who received books and literacy advice from their doctors were ten times more likely to report reading to their children at least three days a week than those receiving pediatric care without a literacy component.

Most importantly, children who are familiar with books are much more likely to be successful readers when they get to school. They are also apt to be more open to difficult types of learning experiences. Below are some milestones in early literacy development:

Infants Birth to 1 year1 to 2 year olds2 to 3 year olds3 to 5 year olds
Raising Readers | P.O. Box 17826 | Portland, Maine 04112 | Phone: 1-800-397-3263
Libra Foundation