At the Otonabee–South Monaghan Public Library, ECRR aligns directly with our Strategic Plan’s commitment to lifelong learning, family‑centred programming, and equitable access to literacy resources. We believe that early literacy is a community responsibility—and that families are children’s first and most important teachers. Through storytimes, hands‑on activities, take‑home resources, and everyday interactions, we help families build strong literacy habits using the five core ECRR practices: talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing.
Our goal is to create a welcoming, supportive environment where every child can explore, imagine, and grow—and where every caregiver feels confident nurturing early learning at home. Whether you’re attending programs, borrowing materials, or looking for guidance, we’re here to help you give your child the best possible start.
Learning starts at birth, and parents play the most important role as a child’s first teachers. Early literacy is everything children need to experience before they can read and write. These skills begin developing in the first three years of life through everyday interactions—sharing books, talking, singing, scribbling, and playing. You can help your child prepare for reading by incorporating simple
activities into your daily routine, such as:
- Talking with children is one of the best ways to help them learn new words and information.
- Singing is a natural way for children to learn about language.
- Reading together is the single most important way to help children get ready to read.
- Writing and reading go together. Scribbling and writing help children learn that written words stand for spoken language.
- Playing helps children put thoughts into words and think symbolically so they understand that spoken and written words can stand for real objects and experiences.
According to research there are six pre-reading skills children must know in order to learn to read:
Let’s get ready for reading offers parents and caregivers wonderful ways for engaging children in literacy and play-based activities that open their lives to the world of print…- David Booth, National literacy expert
Children learn many of the skills they need for reading long before they begin school. You help build these early literacy skills when you read, talk, sing and play with your child. In this friendly book, you will find tips, tricks and resources to help you get your child “ready for reading” with easy family activities, including: Finger plays, stories & poems, songs & rhymes, music & videos, recommended reading booklists and literacy games & activities. The library has 3 copies, one at each branch.
Active Reading is the practice of reading aloud a picture book with a child by asking questions, building vocabulary, and connecting to the child’s world. This research-based approach improves a child’s language skills, vocabulary, and ability to understand what they read on their own.
