By Jackie Edwards
Is the child that you’re caring for having trouble reading, understanding stories, or expressing themselves? As a nanny, it’s normal to be concerned about these matters since having literacy skills is important for a child’s academic success and overall wellbeing. Child psychologists and learning development specialists say that while children learn at their own pace, they also need to hit some benchmarks at certain points in their life so they don’t get too far behind.
In an interview with USA Today, Learning Dynamics educational director John Lant said that many kids usually learn to recognize and sound out letters by the age of 4 or 5. University of Illinois professor Timothy Shanahan also spoke with the media outlet and said that children are usually able to decode sounds, blend them together, and start reading by ages 6 and 7. Parents and nannies can help kids reach these benchmarks by encouraging a love of reading at an early age. Doing so not only helps them learn to read, but it’s also beneficial so they can learn crucial STEM skills, communication skills, and other competencies to help them navigate the challenges of daily life. To help give little ones a head start, here’s how nannies can foster early literacy skills in children.
Create an Intellectually Engaging Environment
Having the right tools and reading materials can help to create a literacy-rich environment and foster a love for reading in young children. Initiate a conversation with the parents and see if you can work together to create a place that’s conducive to reading and having quiet conversations. A bright and well-ventilated area, like an alcove window seat can be the perfect place for a reading nook or corner, so set it up with some comfortable chairs, a cozy rug, a low coffee table, and a shelf or book case.
Fill the shelves with a variety of age-appropriate titles, such as interactive children’s books, which are suitable for kids ages 3 and up. You may also want to include picture books with simple yet engaging stories, books with rhyme and repetition, classic books, and non-fiction titles. Don’t forget to add a few soft throws and cushions to the space to make the reading nook more cozy, then decorate with framed photos or artwork, as well as a plant or two to bring nature into the space.
Read Aloud
Reading aloud to children can significantly enhance their literary skills since it improves comprehension and builds vocabulary. It also helps them learn proper grammar and pronunciation, which are crucial for both written and spoken language. Apart from that, reading can also help kids to focus since their full attention is on the story and the reader. What’s more, it develops their active listening skills which not only enhances communication, but also enables them to build stronger relationships as they grow older.
When reading aloud to kids, make their listening experience more enjoyable by using different voices for different characters. Think about adding some sound effects too to enhance their engagement in the story and make reading more interactive and memorable. Read at a relaxed pace, and pause at certain parts of the story to give emphasis to important events within the tale.
Use facial expressions and body language, and ask the child questions that require more than yes or no answers. For instance, at a point during the story, stop and ask them, “So what do you think happened to the little girl?” or “Do you think it was right for him to do that? What’s one thing that he could have done instead?” Doing so allows you to gauge whether they understand the story, and it keeps them focused and engaged. Aim to make this part of their daily routine by having story time during the day at their reading nook, then do a shorter reading session before bedtime.
Have Conversations
Apart from encouraging a love of reading, nannies should also help kids develop their communication skills so they can express themselves clearly. Have conversations and ask them about school events, or the latest movie or TV show that they watched. Ask them what they like or didn’t like about it, and what they think should be done to make it better. If you’re caring for multiple children, have group discussions and teach them to wait for their turn to speak, listen to the one who’s talking, have eye contact, and use their indoor voices. Prompt them to say their please and thank yous, and praise them for communicating well so that they’ll be motivated to keep on doing it whenever they have a conversation with you, their parents, and their friends.
Building literacy skills in young children can benefit their academic career and daily life. Consider these tips to foster a love for reading in kids, and teach them to express themselves well so they can become more confident, skilled, and articulate as they grow.