Beyond ABCs: Why Early Literacy is Important 

Welcome back to our Beyond ABCs blog series, where we continue to explore the fascinating world of early literacy. Last school year, we embarked on a journey to understand the foundational elements that shape children's literacy development, and this year, we're excited to delve even deeper. But first, let’s take a moment to recap some of the key themes from our previous series and remind ourselves why early literacy is so crucial. 

Reflecting on the Past Series 

In the 2023/24 series, we covered a broad range of topics, all focused on building a strong literacy foundation for children. We started by discussing the importance of early literacy and its long-term benefits for a child’s educational journey. From there, we explored practical ways to create a literacy-rich home environment, the power of storytelling, and the significance of phonological awareness. We also looked at how play, technology, and community resources, such as those offered by EPL, can support literacy development. 

The key takeaway from last year's series was that early literacy is not just about teaching children to read and write. It’s about fostering a love for learning, building communication skills, and setting the stage for lifelong success. By integrating literacy into everyday activities, parents and caregivers can help children develop the skills they need to thrive in school and beyond. 

Why Early Literacy Matters 

Early literacy is the foundation upon which all future learning is built. Research shows that children who are exposed to literacy activities at a young age are more likely to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. Early literacy skills, such as vocabulary development, narrative skills, and phonemic awareness, are essential for reading and writing. But beyond these technical skills, early literacy also sets the stage for critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. 

 At EPL, we believe in the power of literacy to transform lives. Our programs and resources are designed to support families' literacy journeys, offering everything from Family Storytimes and Sing, Sign, Laugh and Learn classes, to booklists and our ever-popular summer reading program. By making literacy fun and accessible, we are a strong partner in helping children develop a firm foundation for success.  

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in the 2024/25 Series 

This year, we’re excited to introduce new topics that build on last year’s themes while presenting fresh, practical ideas for promoting literacy at home. We’ll explore the Daily 5, which emphasizes the importance of: 

1. Reading 
2. Talking
3. Playing 
4. Singing  
5. Writing  

Each of these activities plays a vital role in early literacy development, and we’ll provide you with tips, activities, and resources to make them part of your daily routine. 

In addition, we’ll cover topics like the power of repetition, the role of rhythm and rhymes, and how multisensory learning can enhance literacy skills. We’ll also discuss how to incorporate cultural stories and traditions into early literacy, helping children develop empathy and a broader understanding of the world around them. 

EPL’s Commitment to Supporting Families 

At the Library, we are committed to supporting families in fostering early literacy. Our wide range of programs, resources, and helpful staff are here to help guide you and your little ones on this important journey. Whether you’re looking for the perfect book, need tips on engaging your child in reading, or want to participate in one of our early literacy programs, EPL has got you covered. 

Quick Takeaway 

We invite you to revisit the blogs from our previous series to refresh your understanding of early literacy principles - Explore | Edmonton Public Library (epl.ca). As we launch this new series, we encourage you to stay engaged, try out the activities we suggest, and explore the resources EPL offers. Together, let’s continue to make literacy a joyful and integral part of everyday life. 

Stay tuned for our next blog, introducing the Daily 5 and diving into the first pillar: reading. We’ll share practical activities and a booklist to get your family started on the right foot! 

Let’s keep the conversation going!