1. Early Reading Skills

2. Basic language and communication skills are formed during a child’s first three years Language skills at age 3 are a good indicator for predicting literacy levels at age 7. In the first six years, children learn at a much faster pace than at any other time in their lives. Facts

3. Girls are keener readers than boys Reading enjoyment is clearly related to reading attainment Children who read outside of school read better than those who don’t. More facts

4. Benefits of early reading Greater vocabulary and knowledge of literacy Healthy social and emotional development Longer attention spans and higher levels of concentration Greater imaginative and critical thinking skills Closeness between parent and child Greater memory

5. Early Years Foundation Stage

6. Birth to 11 months Enjoys looking at books and other printed material with familiar people.

7. 8 to 20 months Handles books and printed material with interest.

8. 16 to 26 months Interested in books and rhymes and may have favourites.

9. 22 to 36 months Has some favourite stories, rhymes, songs, poems or jingles. Repeats words or phrases from familiar stories. Fills in the missing word or phrase in a known rhyme, story or game, e.g. ‘Humpty Dumpty sat on a …’.

10. 30 to 50 months Shows interest in illustrations and print in books and print in the environment Looks at books independently. Handles books carefully

11. How to help develop reading skills Reading routines Unplug distractions Set an example Find things to read everywhere Select books appropriate for age Songs and rhymes and story telling

12. Reread favourite books Access to books Talk with your child: Ask questions and remember to listen. Use technology: audio books for long car rides. Have fun: Play word games. How to help develop reading skills

13. Games to Play Rhyming hat, cat, pat Pin, tin, bin Alliteration big, black, bug, dog, digging, dirt

14. Don’t forget; Dads are good role models too!

15. Children who act like readers become good readers

16. You are never too young to start reading!

17. Have fun!