Early Literacy Resources
Introduction
‘Oral language is the foundation for literacy development’
The beginning of literacy and numeracy development is embedded in the everyday actions, drawings, thoughts and communications of babies, toddlers and young children. Parents and the home learning environment are critically important (French, 2011)
Research has shown that children who engage in reading experiences on a regular basis do better when they get to school. This highlights the importance of the home learning environment and the role parents play in their child’s learning (Strickland, Riley-Ayers, 2006).
Three Stages
0-12 months old.
2-3 years old.
3-5 years old.
Overall - Helpful Tips
Tips for Encouraging Reading:
- Find a comfortable and quiet space to cuddle up and share a book
- Sharing books is quality time, plan as part of bedtime or bath routine
- Reduce distractions, turn off television, mobile phones, radios
- Leave books around the house, so your child can pick them up at any time.
- Be a role model - let your child see you reading (magazines, books etc.)
- Reading aloud with your child for 10 minutes daily – regardless of reading ability!
- Non-verbal communication is equally important - using animated facial expressions and gestures supports children's understanding of language.
- Encourage word and number association when out and about with your child
- Visit your local library, great resource of free books - Choose, look at and talk about books together.
- Share books with family, friends, Pre-schools and give books as gifts
Links to more information
Helpful Links:
Acknowledgements
This project was brought to you by Wexford Children & Young Peoples Services Committee through the Healthy Ireland Fund supported by the Department of Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.
With acknowledgement to Wexford County Childcare Committee and Wexford Public Library Service.
And with special thanks to:
Fiadh & Jillian (0-12ths)
Jayden & JJ (2-3yrs)
Donnacha & Eithne (3-5yrs)
Resources / Supports for Ukrainian Community
Tusla Short Guide for Parents Who Are Newly Arrived in Ireland, English version click here
Tusla Short Guide for Parents Who Are Newly Arrived in Ireland, Ukrainian version, click here
Messaging from Ukrainian Government re: Education, click here
Information Poster for those providing Services to Ukrainian community, English version, click here
Information Poster Ukrainian version, click here
Information Poster Russian version, click here
Post Traumatic Stress : A Self Help Guide, click here
Coping With Trauma Information Leaflet, click here
Reactions to Trauma : Ukrainian version, click here
Child Development and Trauma Guide - Government of Western Australia, click here
"Fast Facts to Support Ukrainian Nationals" - HSE Infographic, access here
Communication for Provider Organisations - HSE, click here
Information Package from HSE Disability, click here
NPC Leaflet Ukrainian, click here
NPC Leaflet Russian, click here
NPC Leaflet English, click here
Wexford Library Resources for People from Ukraine arriving in Co. Wexford : English version, click here
Wexford Library Resources for People from Ukraine arriving in Co, Wexford : Ukrainian version, click here
Child Protection Briefing Doc : Tusla Child & Family Agency, click here
Family Carers Ireland - Ukrainian Rights and Entitlements Poster, click here
Cultural Competency Guide for Ukraine, click here
DSP Supports for Ukrainian Citizens under EU Temporary Protection Directive, click here
"Supporting the Wellbeing of Children from Ukraine in your School" Guidance Document, click here
"Talking to Children about War" : Barnardos Guidance, click here
"Overcoming the Psychological Effects of Trauma from Clonea Model" SECH, click here
"Rapid Response Psychology Tool -Time of War Resources", click here
Parent and Carers Guide to School Applications - TESS (English), click here
Parent and Carers Guide to School Applications - TESS (Ukrainian), click here
An Garda Síochána Leaflet - English, click here
An Garda Síochána Leaflet - Russian and Ukrainian, click here
For Parents;
- Peadar Maxwell, Senior Psychologist with the HSE gives advice and information for parents and carers of adolescents in this YouTube video which was created as part of "Healthy Ireland at Your Library". To view the video, click here.
- Peadar Maxwell, Senior Psychologist with the HSE gives advice and information for parents and carers of young children in this YouTube video which was created as part of "Healthy Ireland at Your Library". To view the video, click here.
- "Bridge Back To School : An Autism Friendly Learning Resource for 2021" is now available to dowload. Click here to access the resource.
- "Supporting Children" is an online resource where you can access information about services for children, young people and families including those with additional needs. Access this resource here.
- DCYA Parents Centre is an online resource with information on supports for parents and families. Click here to access the site.
- Wexford Parents Hub can be accessed on the Wexford CYPSC website. Click here for more information. The Hub also operates a Facebook page which can be accessed here.
- Supporting Parents and Families through Summer 2020. Access this publication from The Genesis Programme here.
- First Five have developed videos and lots of play and learning ideas. Click here for more information.
- Yourmentalhealth.ie. For advice on how to mind your mental health during the Coronavirus outbreak. Click here for information.
- Samaritans have a 24/7 listening service at 116 123
- Pieta House have a National Suicide Helpline at 1800 247 247
- Peadar Maxwell, Senior Psychologist in Co. Wexford gives tips on talking to children about COVID-19 in this short YouTube video. To view, click here.
- Parentline is a free national confidential helpline for parents. For more information click here. Support is also available by phoning 1800 927 927.
- Tusla Parenting 24-Seven has tips for parents on what works at different developmental stages. Please click here for more information.
- "One Family" supports one parent families and has a dedicated section on COVID-19 supports. Please click here for details.
- Treoir supports unmarried parents and their families. For information on COVID-19 supports please click here.
- Traveller Community - there is now a specific helpline number for members of the Traveller Community. Phone / text 083 100 6300.
- Webwise provides free information, advice and resources to help parents, teachers and students address internet safety issues. Click here for more information
For Children and Young People;
- The Irish Second Level Students Union (ISSU) has developed a set of useful resources for students. For further information see the ISSU website here.
- -ISSU Charter of Student Rights
- -ISSU Email Template for Students
- -ISSU Good Workspace Guide
- Let's Play Ireland is a government-led initiative aimed at promoting play for all children living in Ireland during the COVID-19 emergency. Click here for more information.
- Jigsaw, national centre for youth mental health, click here for more information.
- Spunout, Ireland Youth Information Website, click here for more information.
- BeLongTo provides support to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and transgender young people. Please click here for more information.
- Childline provides an active listening service for young people under 18 years of age. Click here for more information. Tel 1800 66 66 66 or Free Text 50101
- Teenline can be contacted 24 hours a day 365 days per year by calling 1800 833 634. Click here for more information.
- Coronavirus : A Book for Children (illustrated by Alex Scheffler "The Gruffalo"). Click here to access.
Young People & Mental Health Referral Guidelines Poster
The Young People and Mental Health Sub Group of Wexford CYPSC developed a poster with referral guidelines to child and youth mental health services in Co. Wexford. The poster was launched at an event in the Riverside Park Hotel on February 5th 2020 and is being circulated to G,P’s, schools and professionals who work with children and young people.
Download Young People & Mental Health Referral Guidelines Poster (PDF 0.7MB)
Children and Young People’s Plan Leaflet
Wexford CYPSC has created an information leaflet targeted at children and young people. The leaflet was designed with assistance from the Teen Girls Group at Youth New Ross. It contains information on CYPSC and the 5 national outcomes in “Better Outcomes Brighter Futures”. It also directs readers to the Wexford CYPSC website www.wexfordcypsc.ie for more information on services and supports for children, young people and families and signposts to the Wexford Children and Young People's Plan.
Download Children and Young People's Plan Leaflet (PDF 2.85MB)
The "Coming Out Guide"
The “Coming Out Guide” is a support for young people who wish to disclose their identity and for teachers to help them understand what to expect”.