In class on Tuesday, we discussed how each of us defines literacy. Many of our definitions had certain aspects in common, such as how literacy can refer to being not only able to read and understand, but also being able to communicate in an effective and appropriate way for those you are talking to so that they can understand the message, or point, you are trying to get across. We also discussed how you talk and approach your friends differently than you would to your parents, professors, etc.
One of my fondest memories of literacy is from my part-time nanny job that I held over the summer. Two days a week I watched two girls, ages 1 and 3. Watching them weekly not only brought joy to my life, but it also gave me first hand experience in toddler and infant communication. For those of you who don’t know, speech ability varies quite a bit between these ages. The two girls and I would read books frequently and the 3 year old would sometimes want to read instead. In these cases, I would whisper the words into her ear and she would say them aloud to her younger sister. The 1 year old was always the most interesting, developmental wise, in my opinion. Sometimes she could say certain words very clearly and I could understand exactly what she wanted. Other times, I wasn’t so fortunate. She had come up with her own words, phrases, and signals to let me know what she wanted. Especially when I first started, I had a hard time adjusting to this new vocabulary I had to pick up on, but eventually I got it down pat. The most fascinating part of it all was that the 3 year old understood her younger sister perfectly. It was amazing to me how just a difference in age can effect the communication gap so greatly.
These are such fun experiences! I have two brothers, eight and two, and the two-year-old (Bryce) is getting into this phase. I think it’s so much fun because the whole family picks up on their little quirks and expressions. For example, when Bryce can’t understand something or is just generally confused (it happens a lot on both ends when they’re that young!), he’ll just say “HUH?” in a really loud and crude voice. It’s silly and obnoxious, but the whole family has picked it up. Unlike your little girls, however, my other brother doesn’t have any more luck understanding Bryce than we do!
I absolutely love the story-telling, though! That’s such a cute idea and I bet she was so grateful to you for it! Her little sister must look up to her a lot now because of you. The person telling the stories is always a little extra special to them!
It was even better today when I saw them for the first time in about 2 months. The 1 year old, now 2, is talking so well and she repeated everything that everyone says! It’s totally adorable!