Right from the start, babies need us. They need us to feed them, keep them warm, and most importantly, they need us to bond with them — to be “crazy about them.” Babies begin connecting with us by babbling, making faces and erratic motions. When we respond with the same kind of vocalizing and gesturing back at them, this back-and-forth process is called “serve and return,” and it is the best way to build an enduring attachment. Every playful interaction between you and your child before they go to kindergarten — games like peek-a-boo, hokey-pokey and I spy — build the language and literacy skills your child needs for reading.

Truly, your child’s early relationships and early language experiences provide the foundation for learning and healthy development. To prepare your child for success in reading, school and life, do these five simple but powerful activities together every day: read, talk, sing, write and play.

Your child’s early experiences form the basis for future success in reading, school and life. Children learn to read at different rates, but the more you read and talk with children, the more easily they learn to read. As a parent, you are very important to your child’s reading success. Talking with your child will make them a better reader. Language and literacy skills develop through these everyday activities with you.

Let's get started on your child's journey to literacy today.