The magic of reading to children

It's never too early to read to your kids! Research shows that reading to young children is the single most important factor in helping them get ready to become readers. When you read to your children, they are developing the early literacy skills that are the foundation for them to become readers later on.

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read or write. Talk + Sing + Read = early literacy.

In tandem with the American Library Association, the libraries of Washington County and Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) are offering information about helping your child get ready to learn to read. Ask your library's staff about the Every Child Ready to Read (or Cada Niño Listo para Leer) brochures. Each brochure talks about the six pre-reading skills that kids must know in order to learn to read. And each brochure comes with a reading list identifying books (available at the library!) that support particular skills for that age group.

• Early Talkers (birth to 2-year-olds)
• Talkers (2 & 3 year-olds)
• Pre-readers (4 & 5 year-olds)

More information and more book lists are available on our website at Ready to Read! Some libraries offer early literacy classes for parents, where you can discover more ideas to help your child get ready to read. Ask about early literacy at your library!

How do babies, toddlers, and preschoolers get ready to become readers? By reading, talking, and singing with their parents! Have fun together!