The RSC Policy Briefing entitled “Impact of COVID-19 on Language and Literacy in Canada” is now freely and publicly available here.
We should all work to ensure optimal language and literacy development in children, especially when daycare and schooling have been disrupted for so many. This can be best supported through responsive face-to-face communicative interactions with infants and toddlers. For older children, caregivers are encouraged to establish engaging reading and writing routines, select screen-time activities that promote learning while still being fun, and teach digital literacy skills. Promoting positive attitudes toward bilingualism and continuing to use heritage languages along with the societal language in bilingual or multilingual homes also gives children a leg up.
The RSC has prepared Policy Briefings and other resources to ensure open access to independent, evidence-based science for Canadians.