One of the goals of Parents As Teachers is to assist parents in helping their children be prepared for school. Studies have shown that one of the most important things children can experience in the first five years of life is exposure to early literacy experiences. Literacy is made up of listening, talking, reading and writing. With the help of loving adults, children progress through a fairly predictable sequence of early literacy developmental milestones. In order to eventually learn to read and write, children first show us how they are able to listen and talk. Remember that all four areas are developing at the same time.
Listening: a newborn begins by turning her eyes and head toward her parent’s voice. A toddler follows one step directions. A preschooler might be able to recite a story in sequence after having had it read to him over and over.
Talking: an infant coos, begins to babble and then says her first word. A toddler puts words together and asks questions. A preschooler cay carry on a conversation for seven turns on the same topic.
 

Hearing & Vision Screenings

for ages 6 months to 5 years
PAT office, 555 Vandiver.
No appointment is necessary.
Please sign in upon arrival.

Thursday, October 19 4:30 to 6:30 pm
 

Wednesday, November 15, 9:30 to 11:30 am
 

Thursday, December 7 4:30 to 6:30 pm

Reading Readiness: an infant begins to focus on simple pictures in a book. A toddler can point to pictures in a book when the parent names them. A preschool age child can often ‘tell’ us what is happening in the story book and might be able to identify letters in words from left to right.
Writing Readiness: an infant uses their hands to hold and release objects. Soon they develop the pincer grasp to pick up small objects. Toddlers enjoy using a wide variety of writing instruments (crayons, markers, chalk). A preschooler might be interested in writing letters (usually the first letter of their name) and may also want to print numbers.
So as you provide these very important early literacy experiences for your child, know that you are making a significant impact on their ability to be ready for school. It is important for us to celebrate these milestones as they are the building blocks for reading and writing, two essential skills for school success.

Belinda Masters, Coordinator Parents As Teachers

Parents & Infants
to 12 months
10:30 - 11:30 am
Columbia Public Library Friends Room

Monday, October 2 Soothing Strategies for your Baby
 

Monday, November 6 Preparing for the Holidays Travel & Safety
 

Monday, December 4 Deck the Halls without Climbing the Walls

HAPPY HARVEST
for TODDLERS
‘walkers’ to 36 months
Monday, October 16
5:00 to 6:30 pm
Vandiver Building
Parking Lot
555 Vandiver Drive
Columbia Public Schools
Curriculum offices & PAT
 Rake leaves
 Scoop pumpkin seeds
 Enjoy a ‘mini-hayride’
...and lots, lots more!
Rain Date: Wed., Oct. 18

MAKE IT & TAKE IT
3 to 5 year olds
(pre-Kindergarten)
Thursday, October 26
6:30 to 7:45 pm
Russell Blvd Elem School
1800 W Rollins Rd.
 

Make a book, puzzles & games
 Make a ‘rain stick’
 Make & enjoy a snack

Directions: Stadium Blvd to Rollins Road,
then east on Rollins to the school,
OR Broadway to Russell Blvd, then
south on Russell Blvd to the school.