How do we support parents in promoting literacy activities in the early childhood years?

Day 1 Summary

All participants agreed that children should be exposed to early language and literacy activities in the early years, some suggesting that these activities should begin even prior to birth. Like the researchers of years ago, many of our participants have been observing their own children and experimenting with the introduction of early language and literacy activities with very positive results. The experiences shared demonstrated the importance of a responsive environment to young children's learning. The challenges to Jamaican children being exposed to early literacy activities, as identified by participants, were limited exposure to Standard English and language stimulation and adults who, beacuse of their own reading challenges, did not feel they could promote reading in their children. Yesterday's Gleaner Editorial, highlighting national literacy challenges at the primary level, identified for us the importance of promoting language and literacy in the early years.