We are writing to inform organizations supporting positive family interactions and early literacy development that free parent-child activity materials are available for downloading at the Washington Learning Systems website.
 
The development of these materials was supported by Grant H324M020084 from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
 
Free reproducible language and early literacy activities in English and Spanish
 
Developed by Angela Notari-Syverson, Ph.D. and colleagues
 
To download materials go to www.walearning.com and click on the purple button that says "Free Parent Education Handouts" on the home page.
 
These materials include activities for adults and young children that encourage early language and literacy development from birth through preschool.  They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically.
 
The preschool materials are specifically designed to address the three key skills of 1) language development, 2) phonological awareness, and 3) general print awareness.
 
The files are in PDF format to allow easy and secure downloading.  Five files for each language (Spanish and English) include:
 
.        Table of contents listing the 46 activities
 
.        Level 1 activities (activities designed for developmentally
younger children)
 
.        Level 2 activities (activities that include a stronger focus
on print)
 
.        Level 3 activities (activities that focus on more complex
language use)
 
.        A brief activity self-evaluation form
 
The Infant-Toddler materials include twenty home and community activities for adults and children birth to three that encourage early language and literacy development.  They are appropriate for children with disabilities as well as children who are developing typically.
 
Each of the activities includes an activity description, and hints for making the activity fun and developmentally appropriate.  In addition to the activities, you can download an activity checklist that helps parents and caregivers notice their children's skills, and also cues adults to examine and grow their own interactions with children.
 
The materials are specifically designed to address the three key skills of 1) language development, 2) sounds and rhythms, and 3) general book and print awareness.
 
.        A brief introduction to the materials
 
.        Activities and hints for adapting them to the child's specific
needs
 
.        Activity checklists for self-evaluation by the adult
 
The materials are made available by Angela Notari-Syverson and colleagues, and may be copied and distributed as long as they are not sold.
 
To download materials go to www.walearning.com and click on the purple button that says "Free Parent Education Handouts" on the home page.
 
For questions please contact:
Mary Maddox   
Washington Learning Systems
2212 Queen Anne Ave. No.   Ste. 726
Seattle, WA 98109
(206) 310-7401   FAX (206) 283-9243
mmaddox@walearning.com