Early Childhood Literacy
Early literacy is all about getting little ones ready to read, long before they pick up their first book! It starts with simple, everyday things—talking, singing, playing, and sharing stories. These activities help build strong brains, spark curiosity, and set the stage for a lifelong love of reading. The best part? You don’t need flashcards or fancy lessons—just cuddle up, chat about the world, and have fun with books. Every giggle, rhyme, and bedtime story helps your child grow into a confident reader!
Why read aloud to very young children? Stories read to little ones spark joy, boost listening skills, and help them explore the world in exciting ways. Plus, kids who hear more books being read are more likely to thrive in school and love learning to read. And the best part? They get to snuggle up with their favorite storyteller—you! Every page is an adventure, filled with wonder and beautiful art.
Skills There are six skill areas that will help prepare your child to get ready to read in school.
LOVE BOOKS Print motivation: being interested in and enjoying books.
USE BOOKS Print awareness: understanding that print has meaning; noticing print everywhere, not just in books; and also knowing how to handle a book.
LEARN WORDS Vocabulary: knowing the names of objects
SEE LETTERS Letter knowledge: knowing that each letter looks different from any other; knowing the name of letters and sounds.
HEAR SOUNDS Phonological sensitivity: being able to hear and play with the smaller sounds that make up words.
TELL A STORY Narrative skills: being able to describe objects, people and events, and to tell stories about them.
Books for the Youngest Readers Our collection is full of great examples for exposing the youngest readers to books with short text and bright pictures, letters, shapes, colors, and more! Find their next favorite book here ! As always, you can visit us here at your library and we'll be happy to find anything you're looking for!
Reading Aloud Tips Choose children's books that you enjoy Read and reread your child's favorite books Set aside time every day, for reading aloud Let your child participate in the story Remember: enjoy the book, don't teach it Read aloud even after your child learns how to read Be a role model - let your child see you reading as well Remember - Get your child a Library Card
All children under the age of five can participate in the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program. Read a book to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books before your precious one stars kindergarten. Does it sound hard? Not really if you think about it. If you read just 1 book a night, you will have read about 365 books in a year. That is 730 in two years and 1,095 books in three years. If you consider that most children start kindergarten at around 5 years of age, you have more time than you think.
The key is perseverance. Make it exciting. When your children reach a milestone, give them a small reward.
Receive a free book once you have registered and read 1,000 books at https://cmcpl.readsquared.com/
How To Participate: Read with your child. Keep track of the titles of the books you read with your child. If you are able to, make sure to keep a record of “any” book that is being read to your child. Need Reading Suggestions? Age 0-24 Months
Age 2-3 Years
Age 4-5 Years