Brain Builders Corner: Early Intervention

 Book sharing builds connections

Why do we start reading with children at birth or even prenatally?

Reading with children exposes them to print words, including words not used often in conversation and complex language structure. We tend to talk to children in very simple language about the here and now. Early exposure to more complex language stimulates even more neural connections. 

Novelty and repetition are key strategies that are beneficial for language and literacy. Novelty stimulates arousal and gains baby’s attention while repetition confirms their understanding. Seek out new and interesting books to share but also be prepared to read them over and over. Use dialogue   and talk about words and the pictures when reading with children. 

 What is dialogic reading?

· a conversation about the pictures and words

· less answers by pointing

· increased open-ended questions

· challenge by using emotions

For an example reading and the types of questions to ask, go to this link at Blue Manatee Press titled Dogs! (http://www.bluemanateepress.com/dogs)

 Examples of books that help grownups engage in dialogic reading: 

Dogs! by Dr. John Hutton

How to Hide a Lion by Helen Stephens

I Spy on the Farm by Edward Gibbs

Talk with Me!  by Teri Kaminski Peterson

Rosie’s Walk by Pat Hutchins

Mix It Up! by Herve’ Tullet

“Between birth and kindergarten, we want children to become familiar with book   organization, meaning, letters and words.”

“Most of all, have fun when you read books in order to create lifelong learners.”

-Dr. Laura Justice, Keynote Presenter, Promoting Positive Outcomes Conference, November 2020

 The Center is offering a new virtual event for families of young children:

“Stories, Signs, and Snacks!” 

Our providers will share stories in ASL and spoken English– modeling ways to engage with your little one through books. Plan a snack to munch on    during the story!  After, there will be discussion among the adults discussing storytelling and story sharing strategies to hold the interest of our young minds. Look for notification for the next Story, Snack and Sign on our FB page or via email to our listserv.

 For additional information & Tips:

15 Principles for Reading to Deaf Children, Shared Reading    Project, Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center at Gallaudet University

Read Together, Learn Together, Hearing First