Children at Bright Horizons Cramond in Edinburgh are being encouraged to explore stories, songs, rhymes and language through everyday play and interactions, helping to build the foundations for literacy from an early age.
Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write, and International Literacy Day is an opportunity to highlight how parents can support their child’s language and literacy development through simple activities at home.
Zoe Austen, Director of Education at Bright Horizons Cramond, said: “Literacy begins long before a child learns to read or write. From the moment babies have their first interactions with others, hear their first stories, songs and rhymes, they are building the foundations for literacy.
International Literacy Day gives us a great opportunity to remind parents that some of the most important steps in this journey happen through simple, everyday interactions at home.
“The best way parents can support early literacy is by making language a part of everyday life, without it feeling like a lesson. Talking, singing, sharing stories, rhymes and play can all help develop their vocabulary and confidence.
“Babies and young children are constantly tuning into the rhythm and patterns of our speech, as well as our facial expressions, tone and gestures. It all helps them to understand language and build connections with the people around them.
“Giving children plenty of opportunities to interact, listen and explore language in a fun, pressure-free way helps build their confidence and encourages them to see literacy as something enjoyable, rather than something they must learn.
“These positive early experiences can lay the foundations for a lifelong love of reading and learning.”