Approach to Promoting Literacy for Life

Proud to Read embraces a balanced approach to literacy development, reflecting the spontaneous and multifaceted nature of early learning and the latest research, highlighting that:

• Early years are forever
• Child’s Play is essential
• The needs of the developing child are paramount

It promotes a variety of approaches, techniques, tips, ideas and advice to inspire parents, and all adults who care for young children, to nurture literacy.

Literacy is a Part of Life

Literacy, the ability to read, write and spell, is so much more than letters and sounds in books. It is all around us:

• Literacy is interaction, art, movement, song and dance
• Literacy is understanding the world around us
• Literacy is empathy, relating to and understanding others
• Literacy is communication, using language to express our thoughts in words.

It is simple really to make literacy a natural part of our lives. All we have to do is to be more mindful how it progresses in the life of young children. Nurturing literacy for life begins at birth. We can all give children the precious gift of reading, starting today:

The Early Years are Forever

Research tells us that learning and literacy begin at birth. The most important aspect of this knowledge is ensuring that it really works for every individual and unique child. We need to avoid the flip-sides:

Expecting too much too soon, ‘fast-tracking’, rushing children through milestones and developmental stages can do more harm than good. Trying to ‘make’ young children read before they are developmentally ready should be avoided. It could actually hinder the acquisition of the skills children need to build up for learning and reading.

Equally, expecting too little from children, leaving them to their own devices, without providing age-appropriate guidance stimulation and encouragement, can be just as bad.

All the important windows for language, cognitive, motor, perceptual and emotional development are at their peak in the first five magical early years.

 Child’s Play

Play is the way children learn. There is a tendency to think of play as a trivial activity, as something we indulge children in to give adults a break. Play is so much more than that because it is the way they thrive and learn to their full potential.

Encouraging children to do things they see as play, is mindfully engaging them in their worlds in a variety of ways, depending on their age. Our little girls and boys see it as play because it comes naturally to them and it makes them happy.

As adults, we can easily relate to that. When we do the things we love, even if they are extremely difficult and challenging, we say they are ‘As easy as Child’s Play’. When we find ourselves out of our depth in situations beyond our capabilities, things seem as confusing and bewildering as a ‘Greek Puzzle’.

All the activities, games, stories and books recommended throughout Proud to Read have been tried on the most honest and discerning of critics – the children themselves. When they like an activity or a story they show their appreciation by participating fully, learning new things and having fun. Happy children learn better.

The Needs of the Developing Child

Our world is changing fast making new demands on our time. The needs of the developing child for love, affection, encouragement and nurturing remain constant wherever we may be in the world, whatever languages we speak.

All our children are our future and deserve the best start in life, with:

• Wholesome nutrition
• Responsive and positive caregiving for optimal healthy development
• Opportunities to develop all the skills and abilities that enhance the process of reading.