Dr. Mary Kay Murphy Board Member District III | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Dr. Mary Kay Murphy Board Member District III | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Early literacy plays a crucial role in child development, forming the basis for future academic achievement and lifelong learning. The development of early literacy skills begins with exposure to language and sounds. From birth, children are surrounded by sounds and words, and activities such as talking, singing, hearing sounds in words, and reading help them understand the language.
Interactive reading is another key component. Engaging children with questions about stories or encouraging them to predict outcomes enhances critical thinking and comprehension skills. Additionally, play-based learning through storytelling, rhyming games, and letter recognition helps associate fun with learning.
The benefits of early literacy extend into long-term advantages. Children with strong early literacy skills tend to perform well academically in reading and writing tasks essential across all areas of learning. Early literacy activities also promote cognitive development by stimulating brain functions related to memory, attention, and problem-solving.
Socially and emotionally, reading stories aids children in understanding different perspectives, developing empathy, and improving social interactions through discussions about characters and events. A robust foundation in literacy instills a love for reading that encourages lifelong learning.
Investing in early literacy supports children's futures by fostering these critical skills that enable them to reach their full potential.
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