Early Literacy

Home » Youth » Early Literacy

Early Literacy

Talk

Children are listening. They are learning about language through every conversation. When you talk with them, describe things that you see and explain what you are doing. The more words they hear, the more words they will learn and understand. This helps them learn to read and tell their own stories.

Sing

Singing is a fun way for children to learn about language. The rhythms and rhymes of songs help them hear new words and the smaller sounds that make up those words, because singing naturally slows down language. This helps children sound out words when they are learning to read.

Read

Reading together is the single, most important way to help children become readers. When you share a love of reading with children and create an enjoyable experience, it makes an impact that will last a lifetime.

Write

Scribble, color, draw, write, trace, paint, cut, and glue with your child. The possibilities are endless when it comes to building the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills needed to be ready to write letters, words, and sentences.

Play

Have fun together. Playing is a natural way for children to learn about the world around them. Through each playful interaction with you, they are learning and using language. This helps them to be able to express themselves and become ready to learn to read.

Children listen and learn about language in every conversation. When you talk with them, describe what you see and do. The more words they hear, the more words they will understand. This helps them learn to read and tell their own stories.

The rhythms and rhymes of songs help children hear new words and the smaller sounds that make up those words, because singing naturally slows down language. This helps children sound out words when they are learning to read.

Reading together is the single, most important way to help children become readers. Share a love of reading with children and create an enjoyable experience. It makes an impact that will last a lifetime.

Scribble, color, draw, write, trace, paint, cut, and glue with your child. This builds the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills needed to be ready to write letters, words, and sentences.

Play is a natural way for children to learn about the world around them. Through each playful interaction with you, they learn and use language. This helps them express themselves and become ready to learn to read.

Raising Readers with the New Orleans Public Library

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write. It’s the foundation that newborns to 5-year-olds need to become readers.

The New Orleans Public Library believes in helping parents and caregivers raise readers together. We are committed to providing support from the very beginning of children’s early learning to years beyond. Our programs and resources can help them become ready to read and prepare them to be lifelong learners.

Storytime

While our Children’s Librarians take a May break, we’re offering a self-guided storytime. DIY Storytime includes themed books, props, and activities for you to create a unique storytime experience with your baby, toddler, or preschooler. Regular storytime will resume in June.

Block Party

Join us for a playdate at the New Orleans Public Library. Enjoy the most epic set of blocks you have ever seen while learning how to use open-ended questions and play techniques. Invite a friend!

This program is intended for children 5 and under and their caregivers.

Block Party is currently on break and will return in June.

YALA Community Arts and Literacy

Explore stories through the performing arts during interactive workshops designed for early learners and their caregivers.

These workshops are presented in partnership with Young Audiences of Louisiana to provide a unique learning experience for children ages 6 months to 5 years old and their caregivers. YALA’s arts-integrated workshops assist caregivers with early literacy strategies they can implement at home and engage children in an experience that combines storytelling, music, and movement.