January 2015 SUN MON TUES WED THURS FRI SAT. Hey Diddle Diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon.

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2 Rhymers are Readers! One of the best ways to predict how well a kindergartener will read is by how well they know basic nursery rhymes. Rhymes help teach young children: How language works and how some words sound similar Basic grammar structure, rhythm, voice inflection and flow To pattern, predict and anticipate which word or sound comes next To expand their imagination by painting a mental picture Best of all, rhyming is a fun way to learn to read! January New Year s Day Build a collection of your favourite nursery rhymes. Here is one to help get you started: Hey Diddle Diddle, The cat and the fiddle, The cow jumped over the moon The little dog laughed to see such fun, Family Literacy Day And the dish ran away with the spoon! 4 REGISTER NOW FOR FREE FAMILY LITERACY WORKSHOPS. Visit or call , ext for more information.

3 Early Stages of Writing Like learning to read, learning to write is a process that begins well before children understand letters and numbers. Scribbling Early writing often begins with random marks or scribbles. Mock Handwriting In this stage, children often produce wavy lines and scribbles representing adult cursive. During this stage, show your child how to secure paper using their free hand. Mock Letters Writing in this stage often includes letter-like forms. These shapes sometimes appear in drawings or are arranged in word-like lines. Work with your child to recognize letters and understand basic writing strokes and directions. Conventional Letters Children s first letters are usually those that appear in their own name or in words with personal meaning. February Family Day PAMA Art Deadline 4 Help your child draw a picture and have it featured in the Peel Art Gallery, Museum and Archives (PAMA) this March Break! Submissions can be dropped off at: The Region of Peel 10 Peel Centre Dr., Brampton or 7120 Hurontario St., Mississauga They can also be mailed to: Region of Peel, Human Services Family Literacy 10 Peel Centre Dr., Ste B, 5th Fl. Brampton ON L6T 4B9 Submissions must be received by February 28, 2015 for entry. For additional information, visit

4 Early Stages of Reading Learning to read is a process that starts in infancy from the moment you first read your child a story. Emergent readers are beginning to understand and recognize symbols, letter sounds and patterning. Support your child by using picture books, repeat favourite stories and act out favourite scenes. Early readers are starting to use pictures and familiar words to tell and understand the meaning of the story. Ask your child questions about the story and its meaning to help build reading comprehension. Transitional readers read at a good pace. Transitional readers often like to read books in a series, with shared characters, settings and events. Fluent readers are reading independently. Books by authors including Robert Munsch, Eric Carle and Anna Dewdney are great choices for fluent readers. March Visit for more information about the stages of reading and how you can support your child s reading development.

5 Developing Early Math Skills Helping your child learn early math skills is not only about teaching him to add and subtract, but teaching him the language of math. For example: More than, less than and equal to In front of or behind Near or far Bigger than or smaller than Early math skills are also built by exploring shapes. Talk about: The number of sides Unique features of different shapes Different sizes Creating patterns April Good Friday Easter Sunday Easter Monday For more information on how you can help your child develop early math skills visit

6 Building Your Child s Vocabulary Building your child s vocabulary is an important part of early literacy. Did you know that by the time your child is 18 months old, she should use at least 20 words? At two years of age, she should use up to 100 words and be able to put two words together (e.g. shoe on). Have fun! A great way to build vocabulary and conversation skills is through role play. Let your child take the lead and choose the characters in the game. To learn more about supporting your child s language development, visit The Hanen Centre at May Victoria Day REGISTER NOW FOR FREE FAMILY LITERACY WORKSHOPS. Visit or call , ext for more information.

7 Literacy Through Song Besides being a lot of fun, music plays an important role in language and literacy development. Like nursery rhymes, songs teach children about patterns, rhythm and how language works. Music and songs develop listening skills, an essential part of communication. In songs, rhythm and rhyme make the important words stand out so they are easier to hear. Many songs have a chorus that is repeated several times, giving children the chance to practise and begin to remember words and whole sentences. June WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey found at and let us know how you and your family are enjoying this calendar.

8 Reading Together Make reading part of your family s daily routine. These few minutes each day will help you bond, grow and build lifelong memories! Let your child pick the story and be sure to re-read her favourites. You will see that after time, your child will begin to re-tell stories in her own words. Library Scavenger Hunt Can you find a: July Picture of a dinosaur Canada Day Toy 3. Picture of a dog Letter G DVD Book check out Car Computer Dog Computer Letter G Toy Picture of a car Dinosaur 7. DVD 8. Book check-out station 4 To find a library in your neighbourhood visit or

9 Cooking up Fun! Cooking is a great way to combine reading, math and nutrition education. Alphabet Pancakes August Civic Holiday ml (1 ½ c) flour 15 ml (1 tbsp) baking powder 20 ml (3 ¾ tsp) salt 45 ml (3 tbsp) melted, non-hydrogenated margarine or vegetable oil 1 egg 300 ml (1 ¼ c) milk 15 ml (1 tbsp) sugar 1. Combine dry ingredients in a bowl. 2. Add wet ingredients and mix until combined. 3. Pour batter into frying pan in the shape of letters of the alphabet. TIP: Put the batter in a funnel or sandwich bag, cut the corner and squeeze out the batter to make the letters. 4. Cook pancakes until bubbles start to appear on the surface, turn carefully and cook the other side For additional family friendly recipe ideas visit

10 Let s Celebrate Literacy Month! Did you know that everyday errands are great opportunities for literacy? Reading packages, signs and logos help children learn that symbols have meaning. Celebrate Literacy Month by incorporating activities into your daily routine. For example, point out signs on your way to the grocery store. Then while shopping, ask your child to help you find the items on the shelf by looking at the names and logos. September Labour Day Design your own bookmark here and cut it out REGISTER NOW FOR FREE FAMILY LITERACY WORKSHOPS. Visit or call , ext for more information.

11 Screen Time With adult guidance, electronic devices can support literacy development in children. For example, educational games can support reading, problem solving and visual recognition. Two-player games can develop social skills and co-operative play. Be sure to balance television watching and playing video games with discovering books and activities as a family. This is especially important for children under the age of three. October Thanksgiving Day Visit for tips on how to balance television and other electronic mediums in your child s learning.

12 Exploring Family Traditions Many families speak languages other than English at home. Be sure to explore and participate in family traditions and home languages through books, songs, cooking and other activities. These are fantastic opportunities to help your child s social and language skills while taking pride in their heritage. November Remembrance Day Do you have a favourite traditional meal you like to cook with your family? Send the recipe to familyliteracy@peelregion.ca and receive a copy of our electronic cultural cookbook featuring your dish!

13 Resources and Programs Early literacy involves what children know about reading and writing before they learn to read and write. There are resources throughout our community to support your child s literacy development from infancy onward. Here are a few websites where you can find programs in your area: Region of Peel, Children s Services: Peel Francophone Portal: Peel Aboriginal Network: Ontario Early Years Centres: Parenting and Family Literacy Centres: Peel District School Board Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board December Christmas Day Boxing Day 4 WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey found at and let us know how you and your family are enjoying this calendar.