A key to success in school is reading. You can help shape the successful future you want for your child by getting them ready to learn before they start school. The best way to do this is to sing, talk and read with your child every day.

Sign up for Books from Birth Today! The DC Public Library wants to make reading with your child fun and easy. Sign up for Books from Birth [4], a program that mails all enrolled kids in D.C. a free book each month from birth until they turn five. Find out more [4].

What is early literacy?

Early literacy is what children know about reading and writing before they are taught these skills in school. Singing, talking and reading are important parts of early literacy that can start at birth. Even if your child is a little older, you can start singing, talking and reading to help prepare her for success in school and life.

• Singing is a fun way for your child to learn new words. It helps them learn and remember words and helps them hear the smaller sounds in words.
• Talking with your child helps them learn more words. Conversation and storytelling help your child understand how a story is organized and give context to what they will read later in school.
• Reading with your child is an important way to help them get ready to learn to read. They will understand reading as a fun activity. They will see words in books and learn new words.

Writing and playing with your child also helps prepare them to learn to read. Writing helps them understand that printed letters stand for printed words. Play makes activities with your child fun. 

Explore tips for singing, talking and reading with your young child at any age.

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Discover ReadyRosie Register [10] to receive FREE video tips to help you engage with your child. These short videos, sent to your email or mobile phone, show you how to turn everyday activities into opportunities to sing, talk and read. Videos are available in English and Spanish. Sign up today [10].