What Does Research Say?

What does research say?

“The brains we’re born with change based on the experiences we have in our earliest years. Nurturing experiences build strong brains that support good health throughout life.”- Brain Architecture, Alberta Wellness Initiative Building Brains is Child’s Play

Early language and literacy (reading and writing) development begins in the first three years of life and is closely linked to a child’s earliest experiences with books and stories. The interactions that young children have with such literacy materials as books, paper, and crayons, and with the adults in their lives are the building blocks for language, reading and writing development. – Zero to Three

The language and literacy environment of the child’s home and early learning and child care (ELCC) settings are therefore strong determinants of early language and literacy skills. As parents are their children’s first teachers, they need to be aware of the importance of creating a language- and literacy-rich environment in the home.

“Basic communication and language development skills are a crucial part of the foundation of school readiness that is formed during the earliest months and years after birth. Research demonstrates that these skills depend in large part on language experiences during infancy and toddlerhood.” – (Start Early) https://startearly.org/why-early-childhood/research/

“The development of the architecture and function of the brain in early life affects health, learning and behaviour until we die.” – Early Years Study 3

“The foundation for literacy skills is laid years before children enter school. It begins at birth. During the early years, children develop competency in language and literacy… through interactions and experiences with the adults around them.” – Zero to Three

Articles and Videos:

Article: Science of Early Childhood Development – Centre on the Developing Child, Harvard University https://developingchild.harvard.edu/resources/inbrief-science-of-ecd/

Article: The ‘Missing’ First Year: Parents Underestimate How Much Children Know and Feel from Birth – Zero to Three

Article: Two-Year-OLD Vocabulary Predicts Kindergarten Success – New America

Article: Build Your Child’s Vocabulary – Hanen

Article: Play’s Potential in Early Literacy Development – Encyclopedia of Early Childhood Development

Video: “Children Are Born Learning” – Andrew Metzloff

Video: “Secret Life of Babies: Hours old baby mimics sticking out tongue”