Literacy skills develop early in a child’s life and lay the foundation for their academic success. Research shows that the first three years of a child’s life are integral in their development as the groundwork for literacy and language is established. In these early years, parents and caregivers can increase their child’s phonemic awareness, help them learn to apply phonics to connected text, or even learn to read before entering school. The early literacy experiences during this important time not only dictate the development of the child’s brain, but also provide significant academic benefits.
In school, they learn to read easier.
Decoding is a vital part of reading, aiding in retention, speed, and understanding. When a child can effectively recognize letter patterns and understand the relationships between letters and sounds, reading is easier and more enriching. The ability to decode is one of the building blocks of learning to read. This helps to give the child a firm foothold in their education, and it also spills over into other aspects of their life by building confidence, improving their decision making skills, and empowering them to take ownership of their education as they mature.
On tests, they perform better.
The power of strong literacy skills is apparent in all aspects of a child’s life—including grades and test scores. Strong reading skills ensure better success in school: children who learn phonics skills—such as word study and word building—at an early age tend to read early, and students who began reading early score better on standardized tests and tend to have a lower dropout rate. Preferably, this learning begins before students start school, so that once they do start, they are well ahead of the game.
Throughout their academic career, they excel.
The advantages gained from early literacy skills prepare children for starting school and the primary grades, but the effects extend far beyond that. As a child moves into middle school, high school, and even college, these skills will continue to enhance their education and ensure academic success. Literacy has become such a critical issue in this country that many states now require first year college students to complete a course in basic writing. Advanced phonics skills such as multisyllabic decoding put students on a fast track that places them ahead of their peers academically.
Early Literacy Tools
The importance of early literacy skills cannot be denied. However, while there are many phonics tools on the market, not all programs are created equal. Parents, caregivers, and educators can give children a solid, early start by providing direct phonics instruction through programs like Explode The Code. Published by EPS Instruction and Intervention, Explode The Code has helped millions of students nationwide build the essential literacy skills needed for reading success: phonological awareness, decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, fluency, and spelling. Available both in print and online, Orton-Gillingham based program is perfectly suited for early literacy skills instruction.
Literacy begins at home, from the very first time a child cuddles up on a parent’s lap to read or sing songs—and a good program brings it all together. Explode The Code can be used in classroom or group settings—or it can be used at home. Register one seat or 25 for the online program, or utilize the workbooks with your students or you child. Organized, focused learning improves literacy skills and gives children their best chance at academic success and success in life.
