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Chicago Public Library (CPL) is promoting early literacy through its programs for young children, which are based on the national Every Child Ready to Read initiative. This research-based program aims to help parents and caregivers develop their children's early literacy skills by encouraging five daily activities: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.
According to CPL, early literacy involves what children know about reading and writing before they can actually read or write. The library emphasizes that developing these skills makes it easier for children to learn to read once they start school.
The library encourages parents and caregivers to integrate these five practices into daily routines with their children. "You are your child’s first and best teacher, and you can help your child develop their early literacy skills by incorporating these practices into daily life. They’re easy to do anywhere you and your child spend time together—and they’re fun!" states the release.
For talking, CPL suggests narrating daily activities to babies, repeating toddlers' words while introducing new vocabulary, and asking preschoolers to retell stories or describe pictures. Caregivers are also encouraged to speak in the language they know best if English is not their first language.
Singing is recommended as a way to build listening skills and phonological awareness. The library advises parents not to worry about singing ability: "From birth, your child loves to hear your specific voice. Have fun singing together and don't worry about how you sound!"
Reading with children is highlighted as an important step toward developing a love of books. CPL recommends keeping books accessible throughout the home and reading everyday items like street signs or labels when books are not available. Repetition is encouraged for young learners.
Writing begins with scribbling and activities that build fine motor skills. The library suggests giving babies objects to grasp, engaging in songs with movements, playing with letter shapes, and letting children draw or scribble as ways of preparing them for writing letters later on.
Play is described as essential for learning how the world works. Through play—such as scavenger hunts, block building, pretend play, retelling stories with toys, or matching games—children develop symbolic thinking necessary for understanding written language.
CPL librarians use these five practices in planning story times and other free programs at local branches designed for young children and their families.
"When you do simple things like talk, sing, read, write, and play you’re helping them on their way to becoming a reader!" concludes the statement from Chicago Public Library.
