Climbing the Beanstalk

Fostering literacy at the early stages

Stage 1     “I learn to LOVE books”

• Hold child close to look at books, sit her on your lap, cuddle
• Give child your undivided attention, enjoy.
• Set aside a special time for reading

Stage 2    “I learn that books TELL me things”

• Point out the picture, say the word
• Say the word and have child point out the picture

Stage 3     “I learn HOW a book works”

• Let child help by turning the pages when you read to him
• Let child handle and play with cloth and board books on own

Stage 4     “I GET IT” The print SAYS things”

• Put your finger under key words in the story and say the word
• Point out words all around you (environmental print)

Stage 5     “I FILL IN words and MEMORIZE the story”

• Read a favourite book over and over and let the child pick
  the book
• Let the child fill in parts of the story such as repeated or
  familiar words