3 to 4 Years

Developmental Milestones At this time children have language expanding dramatically. Basic structures, sentence formation and emerging fluency of speech.

4 to 5 Years
Developmental Milestones At this time children are exploring and researching the world around them. Reality and fantasy are often intertwined. Shows awareness that print in books tells a story. Activities to promote literacy Visit your local library Take time to read together Tracing letters and number activities Resources David Kirk Rod Clement Dr Seuss Educational Resources Available online Ballarat Library http://www.chrlc.vic.gov.au Early Literacy Site for Parents http://www.earlyliterature.ecsd.net Early Literacy Activities http://www.getreadytoread.org/

Literacy
T h e u s e a b i l i t y t o t o :

l a n g u a g e

Activities to promote literacy Read stimulating and imaginative books Encourage attempts at literacy Dramatic play Resources Pamela Allen Mem Fox Rod Campbell Santrock: Children

R E A D , W R I T E , L I S T E N & S P E A K

Lifelong Literacy Begins at

Birth

If you would like a copy of this pamphlet please email: lindy.johnson@bigpond.com.au

Discover the keys.....

Many seem

common

activities In

in

infancy

and

early shows

childhood that from

may

not

educational.

reality,

research

infancy,

literacy skills are the building blocks promoting the intellectual, social and emotional development for a lifetime of learning.

Birth to 1 Year
A babys brain will double in size from birth to twelve months of age, it will never grow as fast or as much in the rest of its lifetime. Foundations for all other building blocks are formed. Babys brains develop in three stages throughout this first year: SensesA babys growth hormones are stimulated by sound, smell and touch. These hormones travel to a babys brain and stimulate connections within it. FeelingsOther areas of the brain grow through the positive interactions with Carers. Thinking the development of neuron connections within the brain enables the baby to reason and interpret feelings at this stage. Stimulating mobiles (black, white and red) Consistent stimulating interaction Resources Tania HobanBlack and White Infant Books.

1 to 2 Years
Developmental Milestones During this stage the babys brain will be wired for learning. The more connections the greater the thinking power, enabling the development of language. Activities to promote literacy Play, talk, smile, comfort and stimulate Conversations with children Repetitive reading & storytelling Dramatic play and dress ups Age appropriate books Songs & rhymes Sensory books/Board Books Resources Steve Biddulph: Raising Babies 2006 Allan Shore: Infant Health Journal, 2001 Janice J Beaty: Observing Development of the Young Child, 2004

2 to 3 Years
Developmental Milestones During this time a child can follow two stage commands and understand contrasting concepts. They can verbalize short simple sentences and engage in enquiry (Why!) Activities to promote literacy Interpreting picture books Rhyming, counting, alphabet, shapes and size Affirming a childs questions through discussion Resources Margaret Wild & Gwyn Perkins: Baby Birds Blankie Virginia Miller: Bartholomew Bear Walter E Sawyer: Growing up with Literature, 4th Edition