I started reading to Sofie in the first few months of her life. It didn’t matter to me that she probably couldn’t understand a word of it, nor that the pictures were likely blurry to her still developing vision. I love books and I wanted her to love them too. Besides, reading gave me another way to entertain a newborn. (There’s only so much peek-a-boo a mom can take!) My character voices piqued her interest. Brightly colored illustrations drew her in.
We started a children’s library early and read to Sofie every day. Now, at eight years old, she reads to herself every day. Books are always on her wish list for birthdays and holidays. She’s begun her own library. She loves a good story. And she has a love of language that I feel came from her early exposure to books.
A Wink of Encouragement
Research shows that the first years of life are critical in developing a child’s literacy. Literacy goes beyond reading; it involves language skills, interpreting meaning and communicating with others. According to renowned educator Paulo Freire, true literacy involves “reading the word and the world.”
Propelled by this shared passion, friends of mine started Wink Kids Project, a company that creates specialty gifts for babies and kids, featuring original silkscreened designs that encourage learning and literacy.
Baby onesies and toddler tees in a rainbow of colors are the heart of their product line, however, Wink Kids also offers select designs in kid and adult sizes, plus unique gift sets (available in October) perfect for baby showers and birthdays. The gift sets will include the onesie or toddler tee, an age-appropriate book, four book plates and a bookmark.
All clothing graphics are printed with non-toxic, water-based inks. Every purchase, whether it’s a gift set or a single T-shirt, comes packaged in a reusable book box with a bookmark containing reading tips and book recommendations from experts.
Repurposing is a key consideration in Wink Kids’ package design. The recyclable book box and ribbon serves as the eco-friendly gift wrap, and both can be reused. A colored matte board inside the folded garment gives washing instructions and is the perfect size for reuse as a photo frame.
For every gift set purchased, Wink Kids donates a book to a child in an early literacy program. The Midwestern company has also teamed up with local organizations to create five Little Free Libraries. The “Wink” in Wink Kids represents the little nudge or bump that kids sometimes need to keep reading and learning.
And why would you want to do that? Check out these facts about literacy.
Benefits of Early Literacy
Literacy includes reading to your child, singing, playing games, talking, looking at pictures and words. Benefits of early literacy include:
- Richer, stronger network of developing brain connections
- Expanded vocabulary and more fluent reading skills
- Increased attention span and ability to focus
- Higher imaginative and critical thinking skills
- Improved writing skills and articulation
- Higher aptitude for learning
- Increased self-confidence and independence
Facts About Children and Literacy
- 1 in 4 American children grow up without learning how to read.
- Kids who don’t read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely to drop out of school.
- Four-year-olds who were read one alphabet book per day significantly improved in their awareness of the letter sounds that make up words.
- Children who are read to frequently are more likely to count higher, write their own names and read on their own.
- According to the National Institute of health, at least 95% of even the poorest readers can learn to read at grade level if given proper instruction in sound-letter relationships.
- Literacy skills are fundamental to informed decision-making, personal empowerment, active and passive participation in local and global social community.
Enlightening information, isn’t it? What do you like to read to your child?
