Early Literacy Foundations

language and literacy development...

Building strong foundations for language and literacy and developing a love of learning begins early.  Exposure to books and print can begin at birth, and parents' enthusiasm for reading is something children pick up at an early age.  ELF is lead by a speech-language therapist and a sign language instructor who introduce parents and children to various books, songs and signs in a relaxed, accepting, and supportive atmosphere, with the intention of building the confidence and comfort level of all participants and creating a feeling of community and mutual support within the group.

why attend elf?

• Parents are their children's first, best, and most consistent teachers. Parents have the experience, one-to-one time, love, and motivation to help their children learn that no one else in the world has.
• Children are parents' most effective teachers.  Parents will enjoy observing how their children respond to language-based play and activities.
• Parents are usually already doing many things to help their children learn.  However, parents may not understand the value of what they already know and do with their children.
• Bonding, communication and play are key components to the foundation for learning. Storytelling allows parents to learn the joy of ASL stories and see storytelling modeled well, and benefits children's language development.
• ASL provides children with a comfortable and natural language for deep, meaningful communication that opens doors for learning and development.

These beliefs are integral values that best benefit a family when started as early as possible and is continued consistently from birth, childhood, and beyond. 

who is elf for...?

ELF was created for parents with newly diagnosed deaf and hard of hearing children, but also welcomes deaf adults with hearing children, and parents with young children whose older children are deaf or hard of hearing. Early literacy is important for all: you need not be a DCS client to participate.