This year, make a commitment to give your baby the valuable gift of literacy. Babies are born with a hunger to understand and interact with the world around them. Stimulate her appetite for learning by providing an environment saturated with colors, shapes, sounds, words and books to explore. It is now, not when they enter school, that they are gaining the skills and understandings they will need for success scholastically and in life-beginning with the skills that lead to literacy.

Literacy is not just reading-it includes writing, speaking, listening, and all the ways we use language to interact and communicate. Teachers will tell you that literacy skills are easier for some children than for others. However, it is generally the child who arrives at school literate who has a great advantage. These skills include recognizing letters, signs, pictures and sounds, which are gained through extensive exposure to spoken and written words and numbers as well as experiences drawing and writing. Literate children are able to comfortably use language to communicate-take part in conversations, listen to stories, ask and answer questions. Unlike other skills like walking, literacy does not happen all at once; it must develop slowly through many experiences. As a child's ability in language grows, so does their level of literacy. First, they cry and coo, and then their single syllable utterances turn into words. Next, they are putting words together which eventually form longer sentences and result in clearer speech. Literacy develops the same way. It is not accomplished with fancy toys or expensive electronic devices. It is the atmosphere created by family and caregivers who read, sing, talk and color with baby that plays an important role in cultivating literacy.

Reading boosts development and early reading skills. Babies are fascinated by bold interesting pictures, rhyming text, and simple words that are easy to follow. In fact, the act of reading to your baby is more important than the book you choose. While studying for my master's degree, I sat with my newborn on my shoulder reading statistics books; he seemed as content hearing my voice as when I read nursery rhymes. A warm lap and the rhythmic sound of a familiar voice is what matters most to baby.

At first, your baby will be more interested in exploring books by sucking on them than reading, so start with crib books made of safe plastic, cloth or other sturdy cardboard books built to take the abuse from a curious yet awkward reader. With very young children, it sometimes seems as if they are not listening to the story or are more interested in hitting or biting the book, they are still assimilating the experience.

Play simple talking and touching games with your child, such as Peek-A-Boo and Pat-A-Cake, as these are socially, intellectually and emotionally fulfilling. Through songs, nursery rhymes and finger plays, they learn that there is more than one way to say things. Do finger plays such as The Itsy, Bitsy Spider and I'm a Little Teapot. If you don't remember them, search for finger plays online.

Once your toddler can attend the library, you can take advantage of the plethora of resources there, including the many age-appropriate programs. (Check the Calendar of Events each day) Look for authors such as Tana Hoban, Dr. Seuss, Leo Lionni, and Eric Carle. Have book conversations with your child. Teach your children how to select books, to turn the pages, to read from left to right and front to back. These conversations are so important, and even if they seem one-sided at first, your little sponge is absorbing.

Seek out opportunities to teach your baby something new everywhere you go. One of my favorite sights is watching a mother walk around the supermarket pointing out all the objects and seeing her baby imitating her.

Children write before they begin to read. The more they write, the more they relate the meaning to text. Provide plenty of material such as scrap paper, crayons, washable markets, etc. for them to hone this skill. Make some valuable use of the never-ending supply of junk mail you receive. Show them their name in print on the envelope; teach them their address. Just make sure they don't open any credit cards without your permission!

Create a print-rich environment in your home. Label household objects and give everything a name to build your child's vocabulary. Pay attention when your child speaks to you and respond in adult language, not baby talk. When reading, point to pictures, identifying them and ask your child to do the same. Ask your child questions that require more than a yes or no answer. Always answer her questions too, because by questioning, your toddler is asking to learn. This exercises your child's growing language skills.

Around the age of two, children begin to play with crayons, markers, and pencils. After that, they start drawing things. If the pictures are not clear to you, have them describe what they drew. Label the picture for them and write their story as they dictate to you. By three years old, some children start to scribble some recognizable letters. These scribbles are a form of expression-accept and affirm your child's attempt to write even though it is not yet perfect.

Children enjoy imitating their parents. Be a role model for your child by letting them see you reading for enjoyment. Send the message: literacy is positive. It will influence your child's attitude towards learning throughout his or her life.

Provided by Marianna Randazzo of Staten Island