Supporting Early Literacy:
Hosting Notes
1. A Café focused on early literacy offers an opportunity
for parents to examine how they support their child’s
early learning, literacy and development by:
Exploring the meaning of ‘literacy’ and its key role in a child’s future success.
Exploring when and how children are preparing for reading and literacy.
Exploring how everyday interactions, activities and routines help build the
foundation for literacy.
 Exploring how reading and storytelling helps to build healthy brains and support
development.
 Examining how their own orientation towards books and reading can support a
child to develop a love for reading.
 Sharing successes and experiences in engaging available people and resources to
support early literacy.



2. The conversation starters are offered in a numbered, ordered series only as a
suggested flow to the conversation (see below). However, conversations should be
organic and the suggested topics are provided as a tool for the host keep the conversation
flowing and to offer quality resources when participants wish to explore topics further.
When welcoming parents it is important to provide an introduction to Parent Café
conversations (see hosting manual), and introduce the topic to determine if there are any
other burning questions around literacy parents would like to discuss. Recording questions on
flipchart/blackboard/newsprint on table, allows host to check back in with parents to make
sure they had a chance to discuss topics of interest. Asking parents to if they had a favorite
book as a child can be a nice icebreaker for the literacy conversation.
3. What are your hopes and dreams for your child’s learning and
future?
There are many reasons that parents/caregivers have for taking the time to learn more about
their child and explore their important role as a parent. This discussion may provide an
indication of questions that the group may wish to address.
Finding why parents have committed to coming out to the Café offers a chance for parents to
share something personal about themselves and the opportunity to get to know one another.
There are many reasons that parents/caregivers have for taking the time to learn about their
child. Something motivated each parent/caregiver to be here.
Examples.:
 I want
 I want
 I want
 I want
them
them
them
them
to
to
to
to
be successful and school and work.
love learning and be interested in the world.
love reading.
find and develop their passions and interests.
Suggestions:




Make a point of letting all parents be heard.
Validate parents efforts and commitment to their child by being here.
Emphasize the shared interest among the group in their children – talking with
other adults offers a great support and chance to share knowledge and
experience.
Consider the wealth of knowledge and experience that the group possesses!
4. What is literacy? Why is literacy so important for your child’s
future?
While “literacy” used to be defined mostly as the ability to read and write, a much more
complex definition is needed in today’s society. This term can be confusing and often needs
clarification before using it. Literacy Alberta notes that literacy was traditionally defined as
being able to read and write but that the definition of literacy now includes many other skills,
known as the 'essential skills':
•
•
•
•
•
reading
writing
document use
numeracy
computer use
•
•
•
•
thinking
oral communication
working with others
continuous learning
“Literacy is acquiring, creating, connecting and communicating meaning in a wide
variety of contexts.”
Suggestion:
“Literacy First: A Plan for Action, ” Alberta Education.
To discuss literacy, share the short video clip from Alberta Education Literacy: A world to
discover. A facilitators guide offers a number of reflective questions for discussion. When
computers are not available in the conversation use the picture version of multiple literacies
(4a) below as a discussion point. Literacy is important because it is a fundamental life skill.
Increased reading levels improve an individual’s self-esteem, academic achievement, career
and parenting success. It results in increased quality of life. Literate children have a greater
chance of becoming competent and contributing members of our society who are
economically self-sufficient. – Calgary Reads
Literacy is an essential skill both for school and beyond in today’s knowledge-based society:
Before School:
Reading, singing, talking and playing all supports and impacts the fundamental elements
upon which brains are built:



Attachment
Relationship
Environment
At School
While children learn to read in the first years of formal schooling, much of their formal
education is spent “reading to learn”. The Framework for Student Learning identifies seven
key competencies including: collaboration and leadership, critical thinking and problem
solving, creativity and innovation, social responsibility and global awareness, communication,
digital literacy, and lifelong learning. Literacy and numeracy are the foundational
competencies that these other abilities are built on.
4a. Literacy – A Changing Definition
5. What is “early literacy?” Why is early literacy so important for your
child’s future development?
Early literacy is the foundational development (i.e. brain, emotional and physical
development) that happens in the process of becoming literate…






It’s not too early to start - the brain is getting ready to read earlier than you think!
We are preparing children for literacy through the everyday interactions, activities
and routines that contribute to a healthy developmental foundation.
Reading builds brains… cognitive development and attention spans are built minute
by minute, page pay page, day by day.
Language is learned by hearing, the repetition of stories and books are helpful.
The back and forth of talking, reading and sharing stories with a child supports the
development of important executive function, emotional and social skills.
Reading books with children creates an intimate bond or relationship, building a
happy bridge that can be crossed. Relationship, relationship, relationship!
(protection from the negative impacts of stress).
Did you know?: Reach Out and Read is now in Canada – doctors and nurses are working
together to prescribe books and literacy advice in order to support early literacy, overall
development and school readiness. That’s how important it is for healthy development!
Read more:
New York Times – Read, Kids, Read May 12, 2014 – Research links – the value of reading.
Explore:
Albert Shanker Institute’s video: The early language gap is more than about words.
6. What are the foundational skills that children need in order to be
ready to learn to read and write?
“Reading roots”, or the foundational skills for reading, prepare a child to begin to read on
their own. Thinking, language and physical skills all contribute to the readiness of a child:
Thinking Skills
Physical Skills
Language Skills
attention- ability to tune out
distractions
healthy body – physical
stamina
strong base in first
language
organization
visual tracking – scan words
across the page
listening
motivation – curiosity
remember sounds and images
differentiate or see differences
between different sounds and
images
critical thinking – problem
solving
fine motor skills – hold a book
and turn pages, hold a pencil
speaking
awareness of speech
sounds (phonemic
awareness)
vocabulary
language structure
background knowledge
creativity and imagination
pool of mental images
Suggestions:
The first 2000 days of a child’s life… yes, between birth and kindergarten… are when 85% of
the brain’s pathways are developed. This is the best time to introduce the foundations of
literacy. Most reading problems are preventable by providing a literacy-rich environment in all
the days before kindergarten. The foundational skills for literacy development are laid
through the early childhood years but will continue beyond through rich experiences with
language. Literacy opportunities surround us in everyday life! A parents role in providing a
foundation for literacy involves: Singing/Reading/Talking/Playing and exploring too!
Explore further: First 2000 Days Early Childhood Development Network.
Read more: Proust and the Squid: The Story and Science of the Reading Brain, by
Maryanne Wolfe, cognitive neuroscientist and child development expert.
7. Literacy is built on a foundation of talking, exploring, playing, and
singing. How do you and your child enjoy these activities together?
Think of the many activities you share throughout your daily life with your child that are
already supporting literacy?
The foundations for literacy are built through the everyday activities – parents are already
supporting literacy. This is an opportunity to validate current efforts, motivate one another
and share ideas. Emphasize to parents to keep up the great work!
Examples:
Talking:
Sharing stories, talking about our day, conversation at family meals.
Speaking:
Speaking with my child in our first language
Exploring:
Visiting places in the community such as the park, the grocery store,
library or community gardens and talking about what we see together.
Playing:
Creative play: i.e. art, games, puppets, acting, as well as turning household
activities like baking and shopping into fun activities.
Singing:
Singing songs and nursery rhymes.
Explore these easy to read resource for parents::
*27 Ways to Celebrate Family Literacy Day, S. Eaton, 2010
ABC’s of Family Literacy (ABC Life Literacy Canada).
Centre for family literacy, Family literacy begins at Home,
8. How does talking support early learning and literacy?




Talking with vs. talking at a child is important for feelings of validation and
confidence.
Conversation builds vocabulary which is the foundation of reading and language.
Research shows that children who have a strong foundation in their home language
achieve greater success at school and with second language).
Important family time and relationships comes from reading and conversation.
Talking:
Talk, talk, talk… Talking builds vocabulary, which is the foundation of reading and language.
Speaking develops vocabulary and language knowledge. Use language is different ways: to
tell what happened, to describe things, to ask questions. The more a child understands about
a word, the more easily they will read that word!
Speaking:
Talk with your child in the language that is most comfortable. Research shows that children
who have a strong foundation in their home language achieve greater success at school.
Children who speak their home language as well as English may have higher self-esteem and
do better in school than immigrant children who speak only English. Strong family and
cultural connections can be maintained with home language. For more research on
supporting heritage languages see Mylanguage.ca
Exploring:
Visiting places in the community such as the park, the grocery store, library or community
gardens and talk about what we see together. These experiences and knowledge will help
them build vocabulary and understand what is happening in books
Explore:
Washington State’s Department of Social and Health Service’s resource for parents.
Winning ways to talk with your child.
9. How does sharing songs and rhymes support early learning and
literacy










Builds vocabulary and teaches rhythm and phrasing of speech.
Builds awareness of the sounds that make up syllables and words
Babies are more responsive when singing comes from parents than a recording.
Helps a child’s ability to think in words and uses both sides of the brain.
Causes endorphins to flow, stimulating good feeling throughout the body and
stimulating brain activity.
Teaches children storytelling and sequencing of events.
Encourages self-expression.
Builds relationships among parents and children.
Strengthens memory.
Others?
Explore:
Dr. S. Blythe’s The Genius of Natural Childhood, Institute for Neuro-Physiological Psychology,
shows that 'signature' melodies and inflections of traditional rhymes prepare children's brains
for language. Synopsis available
http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2011/may/08/singing-children-developmentlanguage-skills
Singing:
Songs and nursery rhymes, poems and word play teach foundational skills as children
become aware of word sounds, rhyming and the rhythm of speech.
Building confidence for parents to embrace their role as their child’s first teacher is of key
importance. Reinforce that the many things they are doing with their children is supporting
literacy development – “keep up the good work!” Encourage the sharing of specific activities
and examples such as:


Builds vocabulary and rhythm of speech.
Building block of language.
10. How does playing support early language and literacy?
Vocabulary and language skills are developed during imaginative play, i.e. narrative skills
such as main idea and plot, sequencing, logical reasoning, drawing conclusions, cause and
effect. These are cornerstones of future successful reading. Games help boost and reinforce
essential literacy skills! (Centre for Family Literacy – An ABC for Parents).



Playing/exploring
These experiences and knowledge will build vocabulary).
helps to develop vocabulary and language skills and an understanding of the
structure of a story).
Playing is foundational to the developing brain and foundational skills for literacy and…







Is fun!
Is not a distraction or break from learning but HOW children learn and
develop! Building understanding, thinking skills and confidence.
During play, a child’s brain is taking in information using all five senses,
creating and responding to sound, sight, touch, taste, and smell. These
combine to create connections in the brain that help the child to make sense
of the world and create the foundation for future learning and development.
A chance to explore, creates experiences and develops knowledge that
builds vocabulary.
Builds connections in the brain, supporting learning and growth in all realms
of development - physical, social, thinking, emotional, i.e. creative play is
supporting “air traffic control” system.
Provides opportunities to rehearse and practice skills and try out ideas.
Remember that brain connections (synapses) need repetition to strengthen!
Builds self esteem - by doing things over and over children can experience
success.
Explore:
For a more in depth look at play, share and discuss Stuart Brown’s Ted Talk: Play is More
than Just Fun.
Read more:
Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination and invigorates the soul. Stuart Brown
and Christopher Vaughan (2010)
11. Why is reading aloud and storytelling important?
Explore:
Do you enjoy being read to?
Do you have memories of storytelling and being read to?
Reading aloud in the early years foundational for literacy:







Creates an intimate bond between parent and child, an opportunity to share
feelings. Relationship is a key factors that supports healthy development and
buffers a child from the impacts of stress.
Talking about stories and making connections to our own experiences supports a
child’s social and emotional development and mental health.
Builds a happy bridge between child and books that can be crossed.
Attention spans are built minute by minute, page by page, day by day. “Shared
attention” beginning in infancy, and is a first step to important higher thinking
skills.
Connects children to the stories of people, places and experiences far from their
own life which contributes to developing empathy. The more “experience” a child
has with a word, the more easily they will decode that word. (eg. lime vs lion)
Books give us the opportunity to hear the richness of story language rather than
signal language (“Once upon a time..” rather than “Get your shoes and coat!”).
Words rarely used in conversation are found in books.
Supports traditions of storytelling that is an important part of many cultures.
Further questions to spark the conversation:
Do you remember being read to or having stories told to you by a parent, teacher,
sibling?
Do you enjoy being read to / listening to a story?
Do you spend at least 15 happy minutes every single day reading aloud?
What gets in the way of everyday reading?
Ask for help from old adults within the community or extended family
 Participate in storytelling sessions at local library, churches or communities
 Borrow “books on tape” from the library
 Use a quality online storytelling resource
 Can’t think of a story? Use your imagination and create one with your kids. Try
working together, with each participant adding a sentence.
Explore:
 Jim Trelease’s Bookmark summary Read Aloud Handbook, makes a great giveaway
for parents. http://www.trelease-on-reading.com/read-aloud-brochure.pdf
 Calgary Reads read aloud video Encouraging storytelling and reading aloud:
 Calgary Public Library’s Grow a Reader Mobile App
12. How do you help your child develop a love for books and reading?
Explore:
What is the book that your child most enjoys reading?
Where and when do you read together with your child?
What are your favorite routines around reading?
Explore:
What is the book that your child most enjoys reading?
Where and when do you read together with your child?
What are your favorite routines around reading?












Parents promote a love of reading by:
Keeping the experience fun and positive! Spend 15 happy minutes reading!
Having books in the home.
Reading aloud daily with child.
Being expressive while reading.
Providing a cozy, comfortable reading space.
Reading in their home language or with dual language books.
Giving children chances to engage with the books: holding them,
turning pages, looking at the pictures, and telling the story.
Modeling – ensure children often see parents reading. (Calgary Reads> Be a
reading role model)
Choose books that each child will enjoy.
Others?
Explore:
*An ABC for Parents, Centre for Family Literacy
the more time a child spends listening to a loved one read the more likely she’ll be a strong
reader later.
(Did you know that only 31% of kids read for pleasure at ten years, and only 19% by grade
12…. etc… (source…)
13. How do you and your child choose books?
How do we know when a book is at the right level for our child to practice
reading? What is your child’s favorite book? Why?




Offer a variety of books to read but a few read often is more effective than many not
read at all. Children often want to read their favorite books over and over again, they
will enjoy this experience and continue to learn. Repetition supports strong synapses
(connections between neurons) that protects them from being pruned away.
Books come in all shapes and sizes! Board books, bathtub books, books to touch (and
chew) appeal to a young sensory child.
Let children help choose the book! Follow the lead of the child, children tend to stay
interested when they have the chance to read, look at pictures and talk about things
that interest them, or include stories they relate to.
Others?
Suggestion: Have on hand a variety of age appropriate books from the local Calgary Public
library to spark conversation. Local librarian’s are a fantastic resource!
Suggestions:
 Ask parents what kinds of things hold their child’s attention?
 Look for books that relate to what is happening in family life i.e. moving or having a
new baby.
 Let them choose books that appeal, don’t worry if they reread the same book many
times!
 Use the public library; children’s librarians are very helpful in recommending books.
 Create a library – used bookstores are great for that, trade among family and friends.
Suggested Activity:
Share with parents a variety of age appropriate books from the local Calgary Public or school
library: fiction and non-fiction, picture books, wordless books, books with CD’s and DVD’s,
graphic novels, etc. You can borrow books from your local public library or school library. Ask
the librarian for assistance – they are a great resource! You can also bring along library
information and instruction on how to apply for a library card.
*Calgary Reads
50 books to read before you are 8!
*Centre for Family Literacy - Family Literacy Tip sheets
*Types of Books for Young Children, * Choosing Quality Children’s Books, * Multicultural
Book List
Calgary Public Library website - Kid’s Only - Great Books
14. What else would be helpful for you to support your child’s early
literacy?
Parents taking advantage of local resources and supports:
Examples:
 I use the Calgary Public Library programs and I always ask the librarian for







book recommendations.
I look to the Inform Alberta website and search literacy programs to find
programs in my community.
Calgary Public Library has a video on how to do guided reading.
Calgary Public library has materials for ESL students, the Literacy Collection.
CPL has a free Grow a Reader app teaches parents and caregivers how to
develop early literacy skills in young children
CPL Early world of learning
Pre2three
Ooka Island Learn to Read adventures (ages 3-7)
What resources, people or places in your community might provide support?
Encourage sharing of specific local resources. Use the visual below to outline collective
resources.
Explore: Who are the people and places that helped you to be a reader?
According to Alberta Education, literacy is a shared responsibility…
For a strong and healthy society, parents, teachers, principles, communities and students
must work together to ensure the best opportunities for developing strong literacy skills for
learners. Did you know?
- 42% of adult Canadians have low literacy skills.
- 25% of children entering school are behind in some areas needed for literacy and learning
Source: Gov. AB., Literacy First: A Plan for Action (2010)
16a. Your Literacy and Learning Community
This visual is easy to replicate and organizes the potential contributions that can impact a
child’s learning. Have parents think about all of the people and places in their life and their
child’s life that made a difference in their reading and literacy development. Encourage
parents to share specific examples of local resources to highlight locally relevant supports.
15. After our discussion today, would you like to set a goal or try
something new to support reading and literacy development in your
home or community?
Great ideas for home and community…
Explore:
Do you want to make a difference in your community by supporting literacy? The following
organizations all highlight and host opportunities to support literacy in your community.
Would you like to host others in conversations around supporting literacy? Be a tutor?
Volunteer in schools?




First 2000 Days EC Network
Café Institute
Calgary Reads
Calgary Public Library
Suggestion:
Have parents share their ideas and goals with the group and note to revisit them at the end
of the sessions.
Remember to revisit, review and answer the noted questions.