"Making sense of sounds, patterns, words and sentences are important skills that will help a child as they progress towards reading."
Here are five ways to engage with children aged under three to support their early reading:
1: Create a “chatty” environment
Research shows that talking with toddlers and babies help them to better understand others, make connections and relate to the environment. You can start by making comments on things that the child does or what is happening around.
2. Have fun with rhythm and music making
Play rhyming games, sing and make lots of music.
3. Share meaningful images
Use pictures and photographs of familiar places, objects, families and communities. Ask children to point out important details.
4. Draw attention to print in daily life
Point out words printed on the packaging, posters, signs and elsewhere. This will help kids to recognise letters, sounds and images that have meaning.
5. Engage with books frequently
Read books and retell stories. Make books accessible to kids so they can explore them by themselves.