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resources and activities to use with very young children Dr. James L. Thomas

Who is Dr. James L. Thomas?

“Mr. Jim”

a story, a story

why such passion for early literacy?

Language Play for Infants

Ready to Read! (reading readiness) The Young and the Restless (1s) Memorable Story/Circle Times for 2s, 3s, 4s

WHY language play?

 establish reading readiness  provide a language rich environment  engage with an adult  model for parents  multi-sensory experiences  fun for both the baby and the adult!

what is language play?

songs dance body movement yoga sign language sharing books

who makes a difference in a young child’s life?

-parents -grandparents -relatives children’s librarians -early childhood care providers

“Language Play for Infants” programs

Baby, oh Baby: Books, Signing, and Songs for Expectant Parents Itsy Bitsy Babies for Mother and Others Man in the Moon for Male Caregivers

essentials for young children

books music finger plays signing

why books with young children?

 introduces the left/right reading process  exposes the child to an exciting, new world  allows the child to hear the linguistic patterns of his/her language  connects a child with an adult

why music with young children?

     powers the brain: connects neural pathways influences: stimulates creativity connects: brings diverse groups together transports: in time and emotion comforts: security and memories from “Sing into Reading” by Nancy Stewart

why finger plays with young children?

 promotes love of rhythm and movement  helps children to develop creativity  encourages greater self-esteem  promotes & encourages verbal and motor skills  teaches concepts (body parts, counting, up/down)  helps children to observe and follow along

why sign with young children?

 reduces frustration and provides a means to express themselves  increases parent-child bonding  lets babies communicate vital information

 children who learn sign actually talk and comprehend language better than those who don’t  2 year-olds who were taught sign, have a bigger vocabulary and were able to put together significantly longer sentences than those who did not learn sign

Developmental Characteristics newborn to 12 months

-follows a moving object or person with eyes -rolls over -explores object with mouth -reacts to sounds of voice, rattle, bell -loves to be touched and held close

-returns a smile -responds to peak-a-boo games -sits alone without support -raises up on arms and knees into crawling -may say first word -interested in books with pictures

RESEARCH FINDINGS

an infant 45 minutes old will imitate an adult sticking our his/her tongue

at five months, an infant will learn sequence and anticipate between two: one three times and one twice

at five months, an infant is able to discriminate between 2 mouths: one making a noise and the other not; looks and focuses on the one making the noise 10 times longer

Early Literacy: definition

“early literacy” is what children learn about reading and writing BEFORE they can actually read or write

The 6 Early Literacy Skills

 Print Motivation  Print Awareness  Vocabulary  Narrative Skills  Letter Knowledge  Phonological Awareness

recommended books

consult you list of titles

end

early literacy and your role

out of my mind Sharon Draper