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What We Know About Early Literacy

Early literacy (reading and writing) does not mean early reading instruction or teaching babies to read; it is the natural development of skills through the enjoyment of books, the importance of positive interactions between babies and parents, and the critical role of literacy-rich experiences.




Literacy development begins at birth and is closely linked to a baby’s earliest experiences with books and stories. Babies learn language through social literacy experiences - parents interacting with them using books. These experiences also serve to associate books with parental affection, attention, and approval.

Read to Succeed!

A study of 3- to 5-year-olds who had been read to at least three times per week found the children:

• Two times more likely to recognize all letters.
• Two times more likely to have word-sight recognition.
• Two times more likely to understand words in context.

The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study found that 62% of parents with a high socioeconomic status read to their children every day compared to only 36% of parents with a low socioeconomic status.


Source:
, 1999.




Following are links to a variety of studies and resources that show how early childhood literacy positively impacts success in school.

• (A compilation of research, strategies, and resources for teachers and parents.)
• Dr. Eugene W. Hickok, Under Secretary of Education Testimony Before the House Committee on Education and the Workforce Subcommittee on Education Reform Hearing on
  
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• National Institute for Literacy:
  
  
  
• by James J. Heckman
• National Evaluation & Technical Assistance Center for the Education of Children and Youth Who Are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk:
  
• National Center for Education Statistics: