Literacy Tip #10 .: Developmental Milestones of Early Literacy / Part Two of Five :.

Photo credit :: The Graphics Fairy ::

Today's literacy tip is part two of a five-part series on children's early interaction with books, designed to optimize your reading time with your little, little one(s). It is adapted from research provided by Reach Out and Read, an excellent resource for early literacy intervention.


** Note: Please keep in mind that every child develops at his or her own rate. This chart is simply a reference and is not intended to be a substitute for a doctor's advice. **
 
 
If your child is 12 - 18 months of age, here are some instrumental motor and cognitive skills he or she is capable of demonstrating from a literacy perspective:

• sits without support
• may carry book(s)
• holds book with help
• turns board pages, usually several at a time
• no longer places book in mouth immediately
• points at pictures with one finger
• may "label" a particular picture by producing a specific sound for it
• points when asked, "where's...?"
• gives book to adult to read
• may turn book right side up

Here is what you can do to maximize reading time with your 12 - 18 month old child:

• respond to child's prompting to read
• let your child lead the way through the reading session
• be comfortable with the toddler's short attention span
• ask "where's the...?", and allow your child to point to the object

Here are some literature suggestions for your 12 - 18 month-old child:



 


Enjoy this valuable reading time with your toddler!!!
 
Coming next Thursday :: Tips for reading time with your 18 - 24 month-old child ::
 
Final Clue for Mystery Friend Friday :: Sunny ::
 
 

As part of this week's fantastic "Book Blogger Hop," we were asked to answer who our favorite author is and why...

Since this blog is dedicated to children's literature, I would like to share who my favorite children's author is and why! This is really, really difficult for me, since I love so many different children's authors for so many different reasons ... but ... I think I would have to choose Margaret Wise Brown. 

As far as children's picture books are concerned, she was (and still remains) one of the most talented authors of this genre ... ever.  Her ability to capture the essence of writing for the young child was and still is unparalleled.  Ms. Brown's  picture books are the perfect blend of comfort, warmth, and safety for babies and toddlers around the globe. 

My personal favorite book by Ms. Brown is Big Red Barn.  It is a must-have for any young child's library!