At Primrose School of Arlington, nurturing language development is a fundamental aspect of our Infant program. Reading to infants is not merely an activity; it is a powerful tool that lays the groundwork for literacy skills. From the moment babies are born, their brains are rapidly developing, and exposing them to language through reading, singing and conversation can significantly enhance their communication skills and cognitive development.
The Role of Reading in Language Acquisition at Primrose of Arlington
Reading to infants helps create a rich language environment that fosters understanding and communication. The dedicated teachers at Primrose School of Arlington incorporate reading into daily routines, like feeding, diaper changes and playtime. This frequent exposure introduces infants to new words, sounds and concepts as they begin to understand language and develop vocabulary.
By integrating reading into everyday activities at home, parents and caregivers can enhance the in-school learning experience. Whether it’s reading a favorite bedtime story or incorporating books into playtime, these moments serve to enrich language and communication skills.
In addition to reading, teachers at Primrose School of Arlington use sign language to communicate with infants. This not only enhances communication but also helps infants express their needs more effectively. As babies watch and learn, they become more engaged in the learning process, which is crucial for their overall development.
Building Bonds Through Books
At Primrose School of Arlington, we believe in the power of children’s literature and the importance of early childhood literacy — to develop minds, expand hearts and bring people together. Plus, we know that reading is just really fun, and we want to share that joy with children.
Reading is also a wonderful way to build emotional connections between caregivers and infants. Primrose School of Arlington emphasizes the importance of one-to-one attention during reading sessions. When teachers read to infants, they do so in a warm and inviting manner, often using silly voices and a sing-song tone to capture the child’s attention. In addition to fostering language development, this interaction helps strengthen the child’s bond with their teacher.
As infants listen to the rhythmic sounds of language, they begin to recognize patterns and understand the flow of conversation. These interactions go beyond the words on the page to include eye contact, smiles and physical closeness that create a nurturing environment. At Primrose School of Arlington, we believe that these moments are essential for emotional security, which in turn supports language acquisition.
Encouraging Early Literacy Skills
Reading to infants lays the foundation for future literacy. The skills acquired during these early months are critical as children grow and begin to engage with books on their own. At Primrose School of Arlington, we understand that early literacy skills are linked to later success in reading and writing.
As infants listen to stories and observe the illustrations in books, they start to develop an understanding of narrative structure, such as beginnings, middles and ends. This exposure is invaluable as it prepares them for more complex storytelling in their later years. Furthermore, the act of turning pages, pointing to pictures and interacting with books fosters fine motor skills that are essential for writing.
A Commitment to Lifelong Learning
At Primrose School of Arlington, we know the power of reading, and we use it to nurture the skills and tools infants need to thrive. By fostering a love of reading now, we’re helping infants build a skill that will serve them for the rest of their lives, ensuring they are well-prepared for the exciting learning journey ahead.
Primrose of Arlington along with other Primrose Schools across the country collect some of their favorite books to share with children in their communities, donating new and gently used books to local libraries, hospitals, schools and nonprofit organizations. This initiative, Og’s Bountiful Books, is named for Og® the bookworm, the Primrose Friend who loves to share the joy of reading and embodies the trait of caring. Primrose of Arlington also recognizes and celebrates of Read Across America Day on March 2. This National Education Association event, which dates to 1998, encourages children across the country to broaden their horizons through exposure to a wide variety of children’s books.
Primrose School of Arlington is now enrolling infants through Pre-Kindergarten! Check out our website to learn more about the Primrose School of Arlington.
