March 2025

Here's "The Scoop!"

TA Topics: Early Literacy & Brain Development

The first three years of life are the most critical for brain development and early literacy. During this period, a child’s brain forms connections at an astonishing rate, influenced by their experiences, interactions, and environment. Caregivers and early childhood educators play a crucial role in shaping these early experiences to support cognitive, language, and literacy development.  

Reading to infants and toddlers builds early literacy skills, strengthens the caregiver-child bond, and introduces new vocabulary. Even though infants and toddlers cannot read yet, exposure to books and print helps them understand that symbols represent meaning. 

Label everyday objects so toddlers start connecting words with their environment. 

Keep books accessible and allow children to handle them freely. Point out words on signs and packaging during daily routines. 

This TA Tip was graciously shared by Judy Thibault ,

Training and Technical Assistance Specialist

Child Care Aware of NH is here to assist you! To learn more about how we can support your practices, please refer to our Services and Supports Guide

Resources for Providers

Talking Is Teaching. Check out this website with resources for educators and parents on talking, reading and singing with infants and toddlers.

Brain development and literacy are closely linked. Research shows that reading and exposure to language during early childhood significantly impacts the structure and function of a child's brain, laying the foundation for strong literacy skills later in life.

Resources for Families

March is literacy month and brain development month. Try out some of these Vroom tips. These are fun activities you can do with your child that also make connections in the brain. Also, here's a great webpage from First Things First that really links both literacy and brain development.