ABSTRACT
There are many ways to support children's early literacy skills. This chapter includes a selection of ideas that could be considered when helping young children to learn to read and write. There is evidence that children with good speech and language skills are less likely to have difficulties with literacy. Parents can help children from the first few weeks of life by supporting the development of speech and language – e.g. by regularly giving eye contact, talking, interacting, sharing picture books and pointing out items of interest. Pre-school children can be encouraged to start to recognise some letter sounds, perhaps the letters in their name or of words that they frequently see written around them. It is helpful if someone can listen to young children reading most days. This might be with a parent, grandparent, older sibling, family friend or school staff.
