These are the basics that every kid needs to develop strong minds and live healthy, happy lives.
Together with you — and other parents, caregivers, grandparents and friends in the Quad Cities — we’re on a mission to help more kids become Ready by 5.
Ready by 5 is made possible thanks to the dynamic community of changemakers in United Way’s Women United Quad Cities group.
More and more parents are signing up for Ready by 5 by United Way Quad Cities to learn easy and fun tips to spark a love a learning in their youngest.
Amazing things happen when you Love, Talk, Count, Play and Read with your child before they turn 5 years old. We call these five concepts the basics because they’re basically the best way to help your child’s brain grow strong and flexible for the future. They’re what United Way Quad Cities’ Ready by 5 program is built on, and there are countless ways you can teach your child the basics through simple actions you can take, together.
Find five minutes several times a day doing fun activities with your child. It’s easy to help your child learn while spending time together doing basic activities at home. Discover activities to help build your child’s brain.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time and plan how you can improve or avoid them. For example, avoid trips to the store right before your child’s nap time.
Moment of Gratitude
Take a moment to think about a few things that make you grateful right now, big or small. Reflect and enjoy that feeling for a few minutes.
Go Easy on Yourself
Life can feel overwhelming, and we all make mistakes. Focus on the big picture and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned. Ask for help. All parents need help.
Talk to Them
Include your baby in everyday routines by talking to them during activities like changing, feeding, bathing, and errands. Describe what you are doing.
Rhyme Time
Make up rhyming chants for daily routines starring your baby. A bath rhyme might go like this: “Soapy Samantha in the tub/ Rub-a-dub–dub-rub-a-dub-dub.”
Name Body Parts
When changing or dressing your baby, make a game of naming and pointing to body parts. ”Where’s Oliver’s nose? There it is. Here’s my nose.” Try singing a round of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
Move to the Beat
Tap your baby’s tummy or clap their hands together to the rhythm of a song. Or rock them as you sing a lullaby.
Compare Sizes
Talk to your baby about things that are different sizes. For example, put their hat next to yours and say, “Who wears the little hat? Aaron! Who wears the big hat? Mommy.”
Less and More
As you go about your regular routine, find opportunities to compare amounts using “less” and “more.” For example, “Do you want more bananas?” “Now they’re all gone!”
Let Them Move Around
Give your baby time and space to explore their surroundings by reaching, rolling, scooting, and crawling. Just make sure they are safe.
Sink or Float
During bath time, guess whether an item will sink or float. Then place it in the water to find out. Try a different object. See what happens and talk about it.
On and Off
Help your older baby push buttons or turn things on/off (with supervision). Think doorbells, light switches, or faucets. Talk about what they did and what happened.
Read Regularly
Try to spend a few minutes with books each day. Your baby won’t understand for a while, but that’s fine. They will hear your voice, see the pictures, and develop good feelings about books.
Follow Their Lead
When your baby starts to lose interest, try another book or stop. Short periods of reading will work best.
Involve Them
Your baby might want to hold the book, turn the pages, or pat the pictures. They might even chew on the book. It’s all part of learning! Talk in response to the ways they engage with the story.
Snuggle Up
Hug and cuddle with your toddler so they feel safe and loved.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time and plan how you can improve or avoid them. For example, avoid trips to the store right before your child’s nap time.
Moment of Gratitude
Take a moment to think about a few things that make you grateful right now, big or small. Reflect and enjoy that feeling for a few minutes.
Describe Life
Talk about the everyday things you see and do together to build your child’s knowledge of the world. Most things are new and interesting to a toddler!
Fill in the Blank
When you sing your child’s favorite songs, leave out words for them to fill in. Or you can say the wrong word and see if they catch you.
Rhyme Time
Make up rhyming chants for daily routines starring your child. A bath rhyme might go like this: “Soapy Samantha in the tub/ Rub-a-dub-dub-rub-a-dub-dub.”
Clap in a Pattern
See if your toddler is interested in clapping along or dancing with you.
A-B-A-B
Have fun with patterns. With an older child, alternate grapes and strawberries. Ask, “Which comes next, a grape or a strawberry?” Can your child make a pattern?
Add and Subtract
With older toddlers, make a game of adding or subtracting from a small set of objects. Line up 3 crackers. Ask, “How many crackers are there? What if I eat one?”
Go Outside
Use all five senses to observe your surroundings. Stop and linger when your child shows interest in something. Examine it and talk about it.
On and Off
Find opportunities for your child to push buttons or turn things on/off (with supervision). Think doorbells, light switches, or faucets. Talk about what they did and what happened as a result.
Fast and Slow Dancing
Play a fast song for your child to dance to, then a slower song. Talk about the different speeds and how your child’s dancing changes with the music. Join in if you could use a dance break!
Have a Routine
Try to read together every day. Before bed is a great time to read, but choose a time of day that works best for your family.
Make a Card
Help your child make cards for loved ones. Fold the paper and give them some crayons or markers to decorate. Deliver the card or help them put it in the mailbox.
Look for Letters
Look for letters when you’re with your child. Try to find the first letter in their name. See how many places you can find it while reading, or on packaging or signs.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time. How can you improve or avoid them? For example, preparing for the next day before you go to bed to make the morning less hectic.
Put Your Love Into Words
Tell your child something specific that you love about them. What makes them special? What do you admire or enjoy most about them?
Praise Effort
Encourage your child when they try something new or difficult. Instead of doing it for them, help just enough so they can be successful. Then praise their effort until they succeed.
All About Me
Help your child learn their full name, address, and phone number. You can teach it to the tune of one of their favorite songs.
Make a Pretend Phone Call
Ask your child what they would like to do today. Give two choices. ‘Would you like to go to the library or the park?’ Keep the back-and-forth going as you plan for the day.
Ask Questions
Ask your child questions about things that interest them. Show interest in their answers and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going. See if you can go back and forth 2-3 times on the same topic.
Make Patterns
Make a movement pattern game. Try taking a step, then a hop, then a step, then a hop. Let your child choose the next movement to add.
Count Sets of Objects
Help your child count groups of objects that are a little larger than the numbers they know well.
Calendar Count
Choose something fun that’s coming up for your child, like a visit with a grandparent. Count the days until the event and lay out an item for each. So, if the event is 6 days away, place 6 coins on the table.
Practice Problem Solving
See if your child can think about different ways to solve a problem. When a toy breaks, they could play doctor and send it to the hospital, or they could pick a different toy to play with.
Go Outside
Ask your child to describe the weather using some of their senses (eyesight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell). Share something that you like about whatever season it is.
Mystery Bag
Play guessing games. For example, put a few objects in a bag and have your child guess what’s inside without looking. They can feel, smell, and shake the bag.
Tell Family Stories
Take five minutes to talk about a favorite memory with your child. What parts do they remember? Find a picture to go with it! You can make the story silly.
Have a Routine
Try to read together every day. Before bed is a great time to read, but choose a time of day that works best for your family.
Change Your Voice
Make the book extra interesting by trying different voices for different characters.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time and plan how you can improve or avoid them. For example, avoid trips to the store right before your child’s nap time.
Moment of Gratitude
Take a moment to think about a few things that make you grateful right now, big or small. Reflect and enjoy that feeling for a few minutes.
Go Easy on Yourself
Life can feel overwhelming, and we all make mistakes. Focus on the big picture and be gentle with yourself when things don’t go as planned. Ask for help. All parents need help.
Talk to Them
Include your baby in everyday routines by talking to them during activities like changing, feeding, bathing, and errands. Describe what you are doing.
Rhyme Time
Make up rhyming chants for daily routines starring your baby. A bath rhyme might go like this: “Soapy Samantha in the tub/ Rub-a-dub–dub-rub-a-dub-dub.”
Name Body Parts
When changing or dressing your baby, make a game of naming and pointing to body parts. ”Where’s Oliver’s nose? There it is. Here’s my nose.” Try singing a round of “Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.”
Move to the Beat
Tap your baby’s tummy or clap their hands together to the rhythm of a song. Or rock them as you sing a lullaby.
Compare Sizes
Talk to your baby about things that are different sizes. For example, put their hat next to yours and say, “Who wears the little hat? Aaron! Who wears the big hat? Mommy.”
Less and More
As you go about your regular routine, find opportunities to compare amounts using “less” and “more.” For example, “Do you want more bananas?” “Now they’re all gone!”
Let Them Move Around
Give your baby time and space to explore their surroundings by reaching, rolling, scooting, and crawling. Just make sure they are safe.
Sink or Float
During bath time, guess whether an item will sink or float. Then place it in the water to find out. Try a different object. See what happens and talk about it.
On and Off
Help your older baby push buttons or turn things on/off (with supervision). Think doorbells, light switches, or faucets. Talk about what they did and what happened.
Read Regularly
Try to spend a few minutes with books each day. Your baby won’t understand for a while, but that’s fine. They will hear your voice, see the pictures, and develop good feelings about books.
Follow Their Lead
When your baby starts to lose interest, try another book or stop. Short periods of reading will work best.
Involve Them
Your baby might want to hold the book, turn the pages, or pat the pictures. They might even chew on the book. It’s all part of learning! Talk in response to the ways they engage with the story.
Snuggle Up
Hug and cuddle with your toddler so they feel safe and loved.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time and plan how you can improve or avoid them. For example, avoid trips to the store right before your child’s nap time.
Moment of Gratitude
Take a moment to think about a few things that make you grateful right now, big or small. Reflect and enjoy that feeling for a few minutes.
Describe Life
Talk about the everyday things you see and do together to build your child’s knowledge of the world. Most things are new and interesting to a toddler!
Fill in the Blank
When you sing your child’s favorite songs, leave out words for them to fill in. Or you can say the wrong word and see if they catch you.
Rhyme Time
Make up rhyming chants for daily routines starring your child. A bath rhyme might go like this: “Soapy Samantha in the tub/ Rub-a-dub-dub-rub-a-dub-dub.”
Clap in a Pattern
See if your toddler is interested in clapping along or dancing with you.
A-B-A-B
Have fun with patterns. With an older child, alternate grapes and strawberries. Ask, “Which comes next, a grape or a strawberry?” Can your child make a pattern?
Add and Subtract
With older toddlers, make a game of adding or subtracting from a small set of objects. Line up 3 crackers. Ask, “How many crackers are there? What if I eat one?”
Go Outside
Use all five senses to observe your surroundings. Stop and linger when your child shows interest in something. Examine it and talk about it.
On and Off
Find opportunities for your child to push buttons or turn things on/off (with supervision). Think doorbells, light switches, or faucets. Talk about what they did and what happened as a result.
Fast and Slow Dancing
Play a fast song for your child to dance to, then a slower song. Talk about the different speeds and how your child’s dancing changes with the music. Join in if you could use a dance break!
Have a Routine
Try to read together every day. Before bed is a great time to read, but choose a time of day that works best for your family.
Make a Card
Help your child make cards for loved ones. Fold the paper and give them some crayons or markers to decorate. Deliver the card or help them put it in the mailbox.
Look for Letters
Look for letters when you’re with your child. Try to find the first letter in their name. See how many places you can find it while reading, or on packaging or signs.
Plan to Avoid Stress
What situations tend to be stressful? Think about those situations ahead of time. How can you improve or avoid them? For example, preparing for the next day before you go to bed to make the morning less hectic.
Put Your Love Into Words
Tell your child something specific that you love about them. What makes them special? What do you admire or enjoy most about them?
Praise Effort
Encourage your child when they try something new or difficult. Instead of doing it for them, help just enough so they can be successful. Then praise their effort until they succeed.
All About Me
Help your child learn their full name, address, and phone number. You can teach it to the tune of one of their favorite songs.
Make a Pretend Phone Call
Ask your child what they would like to do today. Give two choices. ‘Would you like to go to the library or the park?’ Keep the back-and-forth going as you plan for the day.
Ask Questions
Ask your child questions about things that interest them. Show interest in their answers and ask follow-up questions to keep the conversation going. See if you can go back and forth 2-3 times on the same topic.
Make Patterns
Make a movement pattern game. Try taking a step, then a hop, then a step, then a hop. Let your child choose the next movement to add.
Count Sets of Objects
Help your child count groups of objects that are a little larger than the numbers they know well.
Calendar Count
Choose something fun that’s coming up for your child, like a visit with a grandparent. Count the days until the event and lay out an item for each. So, if the event is 6 days away, place 6 coins on the table.
Practice Problem Solving
See if your child can think about different ways to solve a problem. When a toy breaks, they could play doctor and send it to the hospital, or they could pick a different toy to play with.
Go Outside
Ask your child to describe the weather using some of their senses (eyesight, hearing, taste, touch, and smell). Share something that you like about whatever season it is.
Mystery Bag
Play guessing games. For example, put a few objects in a bag and have your child guess what’s inside without looking. They can feel, smell, and shake the bag.
Tell Family Stories
Take five minutes to talk about a favorite memory with your child. What parts do they remember? Find a picture to go with it! You can make the story silly.
Have a Routine
Try to read together every day. Before bed is a great time to read, but choose a time of day that works best for your family.
Change Your Voice
Make the book extra interesting by trying different voices for different characters.
Attend free workshops with your child or grandchild. The five free workshops help you prepare your child for success in kindergarten with activities for love, talk, count, play and read.
Parents and caregivers will learn about tools and resources while engaging with their child during the workshops.
Check back soon for more upcoming workshops.
Sign up for free texts and receive a weekly activity tailored to your child’s age. The activities are fun, quick and can be done at home or on the go. The activities use items found around your home and there is nothing to buy.
The weekly activities continue until your child or grandchild is ready to enter kindergarten. Start today to have the greatest impact on your child’s future.
Interacting with children from the time they are born helps brain development, improves cognitive skills and supports learning ability.
Children who are prepared for kindergarten are twice as likely to succeed by third grade. And students who are prepared for third grade are four times more likely to graduate high school.
This is why doing Ready by 5 is so important to your child’s future.
Ready by 5 is supported through generous United Way Quad Cities’ Women United members, to help children become ready for kindergarten and on the path to read by third grade. Click here to learn more about Women United.
90% of kids are kindergarten ready by 2023
Quad Cities Education Data Exchange, 2023
1 in 5 kids start kindergarten behind in the Quad Cities.
Quad Cities Education Data Exchange, 2021
Children from families with low income are almost 2X likely to not be kindergarten ready compared to their peers.
The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading
