Tips: Early Child Literacy & Language Development - Part Three

Literacy and language development is , when all goes well, a building process. What is learned on day can be built upon possibly as soon a the next day.
After the fourth birthday, favorite books are a great place to go one step futher than before. Continue pointing at the printed words as you say them. Four year olds start getting the idea that you are reading the print. Once you see that awareness you can even mention how "m" sounds, and other specific letter sounds.
It's good to start with the beginning sounds like "C" "Cat", "T" "Teddy", "B" Bear". Children are very proud of catching on to new "secrets" about favorite books.

Also discuss color names when reading a book, dressing your child, or looking at a television show together. "Big Bird is yellow"; "Grover is blue"; "The Teddy Bear is brown". Kindergarten teachers evaluate your child as to whether they can identify the 8 colors in the basic crayon box to determine readiness.

When it's time to put away the toys, help your child. She or he will do much better knowing the order you think things should go in. Remember the mimicking tendency is still the best way a child learns. Model exactly where you like things to go. Talk about why certain things go in a certain order. If your child has a strong preference about a particular favorite item, discuss it. Listen and if you can live with his or her idea, compromise. They do love to feel you are listening, and that their opinion counts for something. Of course , you are the boss, but hopefully a benevolent dictator. (Red Flag:autistic children may line up everything compulsively.)

When talking with your four year old, be sure to introduce new words that are relevant to your child. "Be well rested" can go along with "Then you'll have lots of energy". You might chose a new book that has a few new words or discuss a favorite book using a few additional words that are new. If your child is not yet in a classroom setting, get a book about being in kindergarten.

Putting away groceries is a great time to introduce categorizing to your child. "Put all the cans in here". This age is also a good time to give 2 simple directions at a time like: "Put your jacket on the chair and then put all the cans in this cupboard". Of course the cupboard would have to be within the child's reach.
Following 2 simple directions is one of the things that kindergarten screening looks at to see if your child is ready.

Board games are a great way to help your child get used to following simple directions.