Nursery World - A parent's guide to early literacy

Cut out and photocopy Some parents believe that putting a child on a reading scheme as soon as possible will mean that they will do better at school later on - but this is not the case. In fact, pushing a child into formal reading and writing exercises too young can damage the development of literacy. A far more effective way of equipping your child with good literacy skills is by having fun! Some ideas for fun are suggested here.

Some parents believe that putting a child on a reading scheme as soon as possible will mean that they will do better at school later on - but this is not the case. In fact, pushing a child into formal reading and writing exercises too young can damage the development of literacy. A far more effective way of equipping your child with good literacy skills is by having fun! Some ideas for fun are suggested here.

How does literacy start?

Literacy - reading and writing - develops from communication, which can be spoken or unspoken. When your baby looks into your eyes and gives you a big smile, you can't mistake what he is trying to tell you. Babies use gestures, facial expressions and crying to communicate, and this ability will grow the more you respond in turn. As children get older they also communicate by talking, listening, playing, drawing and making marks.

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