Children prepare to read long before they enter school.

Early literacy skills (listening, speaking, prereading and prewriting) develop during the first five years of life. These skills evolve when parents and caregivers work together to offer an environment with stimulating activities and conversations. A child's early experiences with books and language are a critical foundation for success in learning to read and write.

The focus of your child's development should be on meaningful interactions with your child. Reading aloud together is the single most important thing a loving parent can do to prepare their child for success in school and in life.

You are the key to your child's success in learning to read and write. When you read to your child, you are aiding in the development of listening and speaking skills. When you go about your everyday tasks and explain them to your child as you do them, you are helping them make sense of the world and stimulating brain growth.

Offer your child plenty of opportunities to talk and always listen to what they have to say. Read to your child and let them "read" to you. No memorization, flashcards, workbooks or drills are necessary with very young children. Use your time reading, talking and playing together. Enjoy your days with each other and help your child build skills that will last a lifetime