On the Way to Literacy

Early Experiences for Children with Visual Impairments, 2nd Edition

Learning to communicate is a basic skill all children learn from the moment they are born. Communication skills turn into literacy skills (learning to read and write) as children grow.

You may think that your chid is too young to start reading, and maybe you're right that your child is too young to pick up a copy of Harry Potter and dive right in, but there are many ways in which you can enrich your child's life now and build in early literacy skills into everyday experiences.

Children take their first steps toward learning to read and write early in life. Children who have not formed a foundation of literacy skills before entering kindergarten are at risk for later reading difficulties. During a child's earliest years, adults play a critical role, building upon the child's interests as he learns language, concepts, and explores print or braille.

The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) has just released a brand new edition of the On the Way to Literacy handbook. This book gives teachers and parents information about how literacy develops for a child with a visual impairment. It also suggests ways to use everyday events to support a child's active learning as he forms a foundation for literacy and bridges into reading.

This book will show you how to teach your child about...

• Early Communication and Language:
  The ability to communicate, speak, and listen with understanding.
• Abstract Concepts:
  Understandings, formed through experience, that give meaning to language the child learns.
• Tactile Skills:
  The skills needed for learning through touch and for reading braille.
• Knowledge about Written Language:
  Teaching awareness of the many ways print and braille are used, knowledge of print and braille conventions, and the relationship of letters and letter-sounds.

Whether a child will use braille, print, or a symbol communication system, opportunities to develop early literacy skills are important for all children.

And the sooner you get started, the more opportunities your child will have to learn the skills they'll need to be successful in the future!

Order your copy online at APH.org today!