Great Gifts for Growing Literacy
By Kelly Patten
Parents face a universal dilemma as the holidays approach: What gifts do we get the kids? Before becoming a parent, I naturally assumed that we would go for the minimal approach to maintaining our child’s play options—just a few tasteful wooden toys that appear aesthetically pleasing on that Montessori shelf. But as the mom of a two-year-old with a newborn on the way soon, I have quickly realized that’s just not the case for us. Perhaps you’re also swimming in cars, dolls, blocks, Paw Patrol, and a myriad of other random bits while wondering “why does my daughter have a collection of bowls she wants to sleep with each night?”. While I can’t help you organize your toy collection, I’d love to share some tips for intentional gifts that support a literacy-rich environment in your home.
What is a literacy-rich environment?
When we hear the word “literacy”, we often immediately think of reading. However, traditional literacy refers to reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Whether your child is two or ten, creating a space with an intentional focus on literacy allows them to interact with language independently and with adult guidance and support. So, before the grandparents ask if the fire truck with flashing lights and five different siren sounds is what the kids need, here are a few suggestions.
ABC books and rhyming books
You can never have too many books in your home library! ABC books begin to expose your child to alphabet symbols as well as the sounds that each letter makes. They come in all shapes and sizes, so look for something that piques your child’s interest and helps them to build knowledge and vocabulary. Rhyming books help your child to develop phonological awareness or the ability to manipulate and play with spoken sounds (1). Take a stroll through Kinokuniya, Asia Books, or visit a secondhand bookstore like Dasa Books on Sukhumvit Road.
Magnetic or foam letters
Magnetic or foam letters allow your child to interact with letters, sounds, and words in a fun and tactile way. Keep them on your fridge or in the bathtub, and give your child the freedom to explore and build words at their own pace. Encourage them to say each letter sound as they build words, but avoid making the letters feel like homework or a chore. Magnetic or foam letters are easy to find on Lazada or Shopee.
Writing center
A writing center empowers your child to become a creator and take ownership of their language. It sounds fancy, but you can easily put one together by searching through online sales boards and taking a trip to B2S, Muji, or IKEA. You will need a child-sized table and chairs, fun markers, pens, pencils, stickers or stamps, and paper. Choose a few styles of interesting paper: colored, lined, envelopes, postcards, old magazines, or blank greeting cards. You might also consider adding an alphabet chart or picture dictionary (2).
Book nook
A book nook is a cozy space for your child to read and interact with books and language. Consider a front-facing bookshelf to display favorite books or library books. IKEA and Lazada both have options for various budgets. Other possibilities include a tent or cozy corner filled with comfy pillows and blankets.
It’s easy to get caught up in holiday shopping. I’m already anticipating the joy a new dollhouse will bring to our family playtime! The holidays are about sharing our love and spending quality time with each other. One of the best gifts you can give your child is the experience of cuddling up and exploring books, literacy, and language together as a family.
Photos from Canva.
References
- Reading Rockets (2023) Basics: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness. readingrockets.org/reading-101/reading-and-writing-basics/phonological-and-phonemic-awareness
- Illinois Early Learning Project (2023) The Power of the Pen: Let Children Choose Writing Centers. illinoisearlylearning.org/tipsheets/writingcenters/
About the Author
Kelly is currently a stay-at-home mom who has lived in Bangkok for over seven years. She previously worked as a primary educator and literacy specialist. Kelly loves reading fiction books, listening to podcasts, and exploring Thailand with her family.