The Connecticut State Library has launched a new Early Literacy Calendar in English and Spanish as part of its CT Ready to Read initiative, offering families a free, printable tool designed to build foundational literacy skills year‑round. The calendar provides daily activities, book suggestions, tips for caregivers, and information on statewide services, reflecting the library’s emphasis on supporting early learning from birth.
The resource is built around core early literacy practices—singing, talking, reading, writing, playing, counting, and moving—an approach aligned with established Every Child Ready to Read® methods used in libraries statewide. Each month includes 35 activities requiring no special supplies, a design choice meant to reduce barriers such as financial constraints, limited digital access, or transportation challenges.
State Librarian Deborah Schander said early exposure to literacy has “a life‑long impact on a child’s development” and emphasized that the calendar can be started at any time and reused annually. Youth Services Consultant Kymberlee Powe noted that the team intentionally created a printed, low‑cost resource to ensure accessibility for all families.
The calendar complements broader statewide efforts, including CT Ready to Read with Sparkler, a curriculum developed with Sparkler Learning that modernizes early literacy programming for librarians and families. That program reinforces skills such as print awareness, narrative skills, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and letter knowledge through shared stories and activities.
Connecticut’s early‑literacy programs, including the new calendar, align with research cited by the State Library indicating that children who develop early literacy skills before entering school tend to experience stronger academic outcomes.