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Literacy is the ability to understand or create meaning from events, objects, people’s gestures, images, art, film, words, sounds, writing, music or dance.
The following information is available as a brochure to download and print (PDF 435KB).
Babies
Your baby is developing literacy from birth. Babies learn by exploring their world through watching, touch and play. Your baby communicates through looking into your eyes, facial expressions and babbling sounds. When your baby hears words, songs and stories in your home language he or she is beginning to understand the meaning of words. Babies understand words long before they can say them.
There are many things you can do at home to encourage literacy learning for babies.
Toddlers (2 to 3 years)
Your toddler’s brain is growing and making them very curious. Help your toddler notice what is around them and you will be supporting their thinking. Your toddler will start to share their thoughts and may begin to try expressing themselves through drawing, creating artwork, building designs or enjoying pretend play. Showing interest in what your toddler is thinking will help them build confidence in communicating.
There are many things you can do at home to encourage literacy learning for toddlers.
Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)
Your child is using what they have learned with you as they play with others. They may show their thinking by talking, artwork, construction, dance and pretend play. They may be making meaning from words, books, music, signs, dance, some text or numbers and using technology. Showing interest in what your child has to say will help them want to communicate more.
There are many things you can do at home to encourage literacy learning for preschoolers.
For more ideas take a look at the GreatStart activities.
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