Which activity is recommended to promote literacy in early childhood?

Reading frequently is a fundamental activity that strongly promotes literacy in early childhood. Engaging children in regular reading helps to develop critical language skills, enhances vocabulary, and fosters comprehension abilities. It also nurtures a love for books and stories, laying a foundation for lifelong learning.

When children are read to regularly, they become familiar with the rhythm and sounds of language, which is essential for phonetic awareness—the understanding that words are made up of individual sounds. This exposure aids in the development of their own writing skills by familiarizing them with storytelling structures, narrative elements, and different genres.

Moreover, frequent reading provides opportunities for interaction, where children can ask questions, make predictions, and relate stories to their own experiences. All of these interactions promote cognitive development and social-emotional learning, further enhancing their overall literacy skills.

In contrast, options such as encouraging watching educational videos or using tablets for reading may have some benefits, but they typically cannot replace the rich, interactive experience provided by reading books together. Limiting reading time would hinder literacy development, as it deprives children of the consistent exposure to language and stories that are crucial during these formative years.