This document discusses the importance of early language and literacy development from birth to age 3. It notes that a rich language environment with frequent parent-child interactions, reading, and conversations is critical for brain development and school readiness. Children who are not read to regularly and lack early literacy experiences are at risk for delays in language, literacy and cognitive development which can impact their educational outcomes and life prospects.
17. Baby’s Growing Brain 100 Billion brain cells (neurons) WHAT! There are still 100 Billion brain cells! (only) What Changed? It grows 3 and a half times its original size! Brain Weight - Grams
22. Baby’s Growing Brain Growing Connections A child’s environment has enormous impact on what happens to those cells. Early experiences set the stage for how children will learn and interact with others throughout life. A child’s experiences, good or bad, influence the wiring of his brain and the connection in his nervous system.
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26. Applies to all areas of the brain/body . . . Motor functions Balance and coordination Vision Cognition Emotion Language
29. Repetition is critical when learning language.
30. Strengthening and expanding the connections help in learning more words For example . . .
31. Again, again, again! What do you say . . . When the parent says: “I’m going crazy! He wants to hear the same book over and over.” That’s how baby learns.
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33. Words and language are the foundation of all learning
54. Language and Literacy Reading to Baby = More Words Twice as many verbal exchanges Twice as many words Increased number of unusual and complex words Greater complexity of sentence structure
55. Language and Literacy Reading = Cognitive Development Memory Creativity Comprehension Vocabulary and Language development Each ensures that connections persist
58. Builds “emergent literacy skills.” These are:How and why we use written words in daily life Holding books Listening to Pointing at Interacting with the book
61. Not been read to regularly = Not ready for school.Guess What? What percentage of families in poverty have no books in the home? How often are children read to from birth to age 5? 25 1,500 60%
62. Language and Literacy Reading Aloud and School Readiness Less than 3 times weekly 3 or more times weekly Percent of Children Recognize Count Write Pretend Master All Letters to 20 Name to Read 3-4 Skills /Tell Story