The last 18 months have brought immeasurable changes to the way we live, from social distancing to mask wearing, remote working and online schooling. While adjusting to these changes has placed strain on many adults, many children are also feeling the negative effects of limited in-person learning. In Canada, where more than half of the 2020 / 2021 school year has been in person, these effects have been particularly detrimental.

Lagging Child Literacy & Development

A recent article appearing on CBC indicates that there is reason to worry: many learners are struggling with literacy levels and development. In particular, pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grade 1 learners have shown a decline in the literacy levels expected for this age group. With few classroom days and online classes demanding more attention, but providing less one-on-one support and limited focused interaction, learners’ literacy levels are said to be up to 1 full year behind where they should be. This is not just the case in Canada: in the UK, recent studies have shown a similar trend. This has a knock-on effect, with poor literacy levels impacting content-subjects and even numeracy. Aside from literacy levels, childrens’ social, emotional and communication development is also struggling. 

We have previously looked at milestones to check off before your child enters big school, and how to determine if your child is ready for big school. However, what should you do if you notice that your child’s literacy and communications development aren’t progressing to where they should be? 

Little Sparkz Can Help!

BrightSparkz’s Little Sparkz program is a great solution to help bridge the gap between where your child is currently, and where they should be in terms of their development. Created by Early Childhood Development specialists and custom illustrated and designed to inspire a love for learning, this course will have your child ready for school and feeling confident in no time. 

What your child will be exposed to (to name a few!):

• The basics of literacy
• The basics of numeracy
• Sight words
• Coordination
• Memory 
• Midine crossing
• Gross motor skills
• Fine motor skills
• Pencil grip
• Cutting technique

Little Sparkz is available as a downloadable and printable pack, with clear instructions to be utilized by a parent, grandparent or caretaker. Each lesson takes approximately an hour, which can be split into three separate 20 – 30 minute parts, and comprises a numeracy activity, a literacy activity, and a fun art activity. Indoor and outdoor activities included!

Make sure your child’s literacy levels get the boost they need this summer with Little Sparkz! Find out more here. 

 

Written by Tessa Cooper, BrightSparkz Staff & Blog Writer