conference title

Language Play for Infants

Who is Dr. James L. Thomas?

“Mr. Jim”

a story, a story

why such passion for early literacy?

Opening Doors to Early Literacy

Ready to Read! (reading readiness)

Language Play for Infants

The Young and the Restless 1s

Memorable Story/Circle Times for 2s, 3s, 4s

three segments of language play

Baby, oh Baby: Books, Songs, and Signing for Expectant Parents

Itsy Bitsy Babies for Mothers and Others

Man on the Moon for Male Caregivers

Early Literacy: definition

“early literacy” is what children learn about reading and writing BEFORE they can actually read or write

The 6 Early Literacy Skills

Print Motivation Print Awareness Vocabulary Narrative Skills Letter Knowledge Phonological Awareness

Developmental Characteristics   newborn to 12 months

-follows a moving object or person with eyes -rolls over -explores object with mouth -reacts to sounds of voice, rattle, bell -loves to be touched and held close 

-returns a smile

-responds to peak-a-boo games

-sits alone without support -raises up on arms and knees into crawling

-may say first word -interested in books with pictures 

WHY language play?

establish reading readiness provide a language rich environment engage with an adult model for parents multi-sensory experiences fun for both the baby and the adult!

WHAT is language play?

songs

dance

body movement

yoga

sign language

sharing books

essentials for young children

books

music

finger plays

signing

why books with young children?

introduces the left/right reading process exposes the child to an exciting, new world allows the child to hear the linguistic patterns

of his/her language connects a child with an adult

why music with young children?

powers the brain: connects neural pathways influences: stimulates creativity connects: brings diverse groups together transports: in time and emotion comforts: security and memories

from “Sing into Reading” by Nancy Stewart

why sign with young children?

reduces frustration and provides a means to express themselves

increases parent-child bonding lets babies communicate vital information

children who learn sign actually talk and comprehend language better than those

who don’t 2 year-olds who were taught sign, have a

bigger vocabulary and were able to put together significantly longer sentences than those who did not learn sign

why finger plays with young children?

promotes love of rhythm and movement helps children to develop creativity encourages greater self-esteem promotes & encourages verbal and motor

skills teaches concepts (body parts, counting,

up/down) helps children to observe and follow along

itsybitsybabies.pbworks.com

look at “sidebar” for on right of display

”Opening Doors to Early Literacy. Infants” -words to songs

-recording in MP3 format

“Opening Doors to Early Literacy” CONTENTS OF CD

Contact info for James Thomas (Publisher document)

Man in the Moon (infants) Young and the Restless (ones) (video file) (video file)

Words to songs

Infant Songs MP3 Young Toddler Songs MP3

Songs for 2s-5s MP3

Ready to Read--Website ItsyBitsyBabies—Website

ToddlerIcon—Website 2s3s4—Website

PLAY ON COMPUTER ONLY

books

Ellen Galinsky. Mind in the Making. 2010

Greenberg & Hayden. Be Prepared: A Practical Handbook for New Dads. 2004

board books

end