Early Literacy Resources for Parents and Educators
Canadian Pediatric Society: Early Literacy Information and Resources
Children’s early experiences with books and reading help prepare them for school and set them up for success later in life. Exposing babies to books and reading increases vocabulary and makes it easier for them to learn to read later on. Just as important, sharing books provides babies and children with warm and nurturing interactions with the adults they care about. Early exposure to language—whether through books, words, or songs—can help prevent problems and promote health.
Decoda: LEAP BC™
A set of resources that promotes healthy child development and integrates Literacy, Education, Activity and Play, and is designed for families, caregivers and early learning practitioners who engage with young children.
Early literacy activity cards (activities for children ages 1-5)
Reading Success at Home [pdf]
KidCareCanada: ABC's for New Parents
This book presents the science of social and emotional development along with practical tips. It is ideal for expecting and new parents, parents of toddlers, caregivers and health professionals and educators who work with families. It was written in collaboration with the Health Authority and many early childhood experts, including four Indigenous early childhood specialists. The format is appealing, it looks like a children’s story book! Babies like looking at the images of real parents and babies, and the hard copy of this ABCs can also be used to support early literacy.
ABC's for New Parents (available as e-book and hard copy)
Meta-analysis on Psychosocial Effects of Parent-Child Reading
A recent publication by the American Academy of Pediatrics on the benefits of reading with children on language, literacy, brain, and cognitive development.
Montreal Children's Hospital: Early Literacy Resources
A collection of literacy resources for parents with children of all ages. Some of these have been translated to languages including Tamil, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian, Haitian Creole, and Russian.
Screen-based media use in children
A recent publication from Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) on screen-based media use in children.
Storypark: E-books
A clip featuring Susan Rvachew of McGill University on introducing e-books to preschoolers.
Talking is Teaching
Parents can help children building early literacy skills right from the start!
New resources for fun tips and ideas to make everyday moments opportunities to nurture growing readers and writers.
Vancouver Public Library
Social-emotional Learning Resources for Parents & Caregivers
“Children’s picture books are like maps, maps to islands of safety in tough times. They hold meanings that scaffold lives imagined but not thought about before. Children’s picture books carry wisdom and know-hows that could help us navigate the treacherous times with utmost gentleness and creative tricks. They offer soft spaces for hard conversations. ”
British Columbia Early Learning Framework: A Guide for Families
This guide helps families understand early childhood development, offering activity ideas and ways to support your child's growth. You can download it from the British Columbia Ministry of Education website.
A Guide for Families [pdf]
Circle of Security
A program focused on building strong relationships between parents and children. It helps kids feel safe to explore and learn. Access is typically through community groups or specialized providers.
Confident Parents, Confident Kids
A comprehensive online resource dedicated to supporting busy parents in actively promoting their children's social and emotional development. With practical guidance, research-based insights, and a focus on proactive skill-building, this site serves as a valuable tool for families seeking to enhance their children's well-being and success in life.
Family Connections
Provides practical guidance on bonding, forming secure attachments with children, and building connections within extended family and community networks. Developed in collaboration with the National Collaborating Centre for Aboriginal Health and the First Nations Health Authority.
Meta-analysis on Psychosocial Effects of Parent-Child Reading
A recent publication by the American Academy of Pediatrics on the benefits of reading with children on language, literacy, brain, and cognitive development.
Montreal Children's Hospital: Early Literacy Resources
A collection of literacy resources for parents with children of all ages. Some of these have been translated to languages including Tamil, Urdu, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Brazilian, Haitian Creole, and Russian.
Screen-based media use in children
A recent publication from Pediatric Academic Societies (PAS) on screen-based media use in children.
Storypark: E-books
A clip featuring Susan Rvachew of McGill University on introducing e-books to preschoolers.
Talking is Teaching
Parents can help children building early literacy skills right from the start!
New resources for fun tips and ideas to make everyday moments opportunities to nurture growing readers and writers.
Vancouver Public Library
Social-emotional Learning Resources for Parents & Caregivers
“Children’s picture books are like maps, maps to islands of safety in tough times. They hold meanings that scaffold lives imagined but not thought about before. Children’s picture books carry wisdom and know-hows that could help us navigate the treacherous times with utmost gentleness and creative tricks. They offer soft spaces for hard conversations. (Narrative Practices India)”