What does a 'literacy rich' environment for young children look like?

Children who are regularly exposed to a variety of quality children's books, whether they are from the library, garage sales, stores, gifts, or hand-me-downs, are more likely to become readers. Children who are stimulated by lots of talking, singing, rhymes and songs are more likely to thrive. Children benefit from using paper, crayons, paints and markers, since the development of drawing and writing supports reading. Many daily experiences also nurture literacy development. For example, talk about and share with your child alphabet letters, grocery lists, cereal boxes, recipes, puppet shows, library visits, make-believe activities, letters from relatives, books, newspapers, and magazines. Children who have adults and older children in their lives who enjoy reading themselves are especially fortunate. Plan to have fun!