Early childhood literacy and emergent literacy development
Learning to read is an essential skill that has far reaching implications for healthy development and success in adulthood. As such, understanding the development of emergent literacy skills is important for clinicians to support appropriate development and screen for potential delays in acquisition of these skills. Promotion of literacy rich home environments and shared reading is an essential component of pediatric primary care, which can support children as they learn to read, encourage a love of reading, and foster safe and nurturing relationships that form the foundation of healthy growth and development across all domains. In fact, it is within the context of these healthy relationships and positive experiences with trusted adults that children are able to thrive. Books and shared book reading can provide and important framework for clinicians to discuss the importance of these relationships.
