How can caregivers promote literacy development in early childhood?

Promoting literacy development in early childhood is best achieved through engaging activities that inspire a love for reading and storytelling, which is exactly what the correct answer emphasizes. By reading daily to children and encouraging them to tell their own stories, caregivers create a rich language environment. This practice not only introduces children to new words and concepts but also fosters their comprehension skills, imagination, and critical thinking.

Daily reading helps reinforce the connection between words and their meanings while also promoting phonemic awareness, which is crucial for young learners. Encouraging storytelling allows children to express their thoughts and ideas, facilitating their narrative skills and enhancing their understanding of story structure and language use.

In contrast, relying solely on workbooks limits interactive learning experiences, while limiting vocabulary exposure hampers language development. Assigning periodic literacy tests may create pressure and anxiety, detracting from the joy of learning and exploration that is essential in early childhood education. Therefore, integrating meaningful reading and storytelling into daily activities is the most effective approach to foster literacy in young children.