How early is too early for literacy? It is never too early! This article and podcast episode explore the significance of early literacy from the prenatal period onwards. Drawing on brain development research and practical strategies, it highlights the power of narration, modelling, and bonding through books—laying strong foundations for language and a lifelong love of reading.

Read the article here:

https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/extremely-early-literacy/

This episode is in partnership with Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs.

Male Childcare and Teaching Jobs advocate for greater male participation in education and caregiving roles, offering support and guidance to enhance gender inclusion in nurseries and schools.

To find out more visit: https://malechildcareandteachingjobs.co.uk/

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If you enjoyed this episode, you might also like to hear more at https://thevoiceofearlychildhood.com/articles/men-in-early-childhood/

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Episode break down:

00:00 – Welcome!
01:30 – New host introduction
04:00 – United for Literacy Initiative
05:00 – Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
08:45 – Prenatal early literacy
13:15 – The 30 million word gap
14:20 – Language immersion through narration
16:00 – You can never spoil a baby
17:10 – Book prescriptions by physicians
18:40 – Instilling a love for books early
20:00 – Books for babies
23:00 – Creating dedicated reading spaces
26:00 – Diversity & representation in books
30:00 – Screens vs physical books
35:45 – Presence & teachable moments
39:45 – Reading doesn't start at age 3+
41:00 – PreemieWorld Foundation – supporting premature babies
43:00 – Future episodes

For more episodes and articles visit The Voice of Early Childhood website: https://www.thevoiceofearlychildhood.com