ECRR2 - Reading

Every Child Ready to Read 2 (ECRR2) is an early literacy guideline/parent education initiative developed by the Public Library Association (PLA) and Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) - divisions of the American Library Association.  It was originally released in 2004 and revised a few years later (hence the 2). There are five skills emphasized in ECRR2: Play, Sing, Write, Talk, Read.

This is the fifth and last in a series of posts about ECRR2, focusing on the five practices.  

The Importance of Reading in Early Literacy Skills

This might seem to be a given.  In order to have strong literacy skills, one must be able to read.  The single most effective way to help your child become a proficient reader is to take the time to read together.  With shared reading, your child's vocabulary will increase as she will hear many new words. 

It is important to read together every day.  Ideally you will do this 15-20 minutes, but if your child is a wiggle worm don't fret!  Reading only a few minutes here and there is also helpful.

Remember, books help to teach new words.  By using less common words - ones that aren't often heard in everyday conversations - books increase vocabulary.  For example, a picture book may say that a character snoozed or dozed, but in a regular conversation we may say that someone slept or napped.  As you and your child share books, talk about what the words mean.  This will help her understand how to use the new words.

As always, have fun. If you and your child both enjoy the activity, it will benefit not only her literacy skills, but also your time spent together.