Babies and Toddlers
Building the Foundation for Literacy
Babies' brains are hardwired to learn language. Even before birth, they are listening! Some studies indicate that babies as young as 4 days old prefer the sound of someone speaking the same language as their birth mothers. Newborn babies also recognize the sound of their mother's voice almost immediately after birth.
Learning about language is the first step towards learning to read. Using "parentese" when speaking to a baby is instinctive, and the best way for a baby to hear the sounds of his native language. What is "parentese"? It's nothing more than speaking slowly and quietly, in simple sentences.
At around 18 months old, babies have what is commonly referred to as a "language explosion." They are learning an average of one new word every 2 hours!
During this time, there are several things adults can do to help develop a child's emerging literacy skills:
Talk, talk, talk!
Providing a rich language environment is just what a baby needs to develop the important language pathways in the brain, which will later be used to build reading skills.
Sing Songs and Share Nursery Rhymes
Again, you are building language areas of the brain which will later be used to process word sounds.
Read With Your Baby
The research is very clear that the amount of time a child has spent sharing books and stories with caring adults is the greatest predictor of future reading success.
Programs and Activities
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Henderson Happenings (City of Henderson, Parks and Recreation Programs)
Listing of classes and programs offered through the City of Henderson Department of Parks and Recreation
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Wee Can Sign
Long before they can speak, babies and toddlers can communicate using their hands! Babies (some as young as 8 months of age) can show you what they are thinking about using American Sign Language. Learn this early, effective form of communication which has been proven to reduce frustration, increase vocabulary and enhance the parent/child bond.
Early Literacy
Parenting Help
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Read to Your Baby
Read-aloud tips, book reviews, and more.
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Zero to Three
Boston University School of Medicine and the Erickson Institute maintain this comprehensive site to keep parents, child care providers, and pediatricians up to date on the latest information and research about this age group.
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Parenting Counts
Video clips, helpful information, and research on parenting and early learning.
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Preventive Ounce
Can't understand why your child behaves the way he does? This online questionnaire might help you better understand your child's temperament.
Local Assistance
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S.A.F.E. House
Through safe shelter, support, advocacy, counseling and community education, this organization provides a comprehensive approach to working with families to stop abuse in the family environment.
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HopeLink of Southern Nevada
Comprehensive assistance and referral services for families in critical need.
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Nevada Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC)
WIC is a special supplemental nutrition program that serves income eligible pregnant, postpartum and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk.
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Family And Child Treatment of Southern Nevada (FACT)
Providing counseling and services to children, adults and families to heal from the traumas of abuse, neglect and violence.
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Southern Nevada Health District
Aimed at protecting and promoting the health, the environment, and the well-being of Southern Nevada residents and visitors.
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Nevada Early Intervention Services (NEIS)
State agency that serves families of children birth to age three with developmental delays. These services help the entire family, not just the child, and are offered at no cost to families.