In the first six years of life, children are learning to listen, speak, read, write, and use technology. Much of this learning occurs informally through everyday interactions between children, as well as between children and adults. In fact, it is almost impossible to overstate the role of family, especially parents and grandparents, in nurturing, supporting, and influencing young children's language and literacy development. Live, Love and Learn provides an intriguing and highly accessible guide to how young children learn and how their learning can be supported by their parents. Laurie Lind Makin - an early childhood academic, mother, and grandmother - explains the principles of observation and engagement to follow and extend children's own interests, building their understanding, communication skills, and self-confidence. Real world scenarios, sample dialogue, and practical activities all highlight the critical importance of the home environment in enhancing children's capacity to learn. This unique family resource is designed to: provide an overview of literacy learning in the infant/toddler years, the preschool years, and the early school years * identify the key milestones and indicators for concern at each level * discuss the impact of technology on young children's learning * provide a framework that demonstrates how language and literacy learning can be integrated into everyday life without "hot housing" or pressuring children, but rather through following and extending their interests and abilities. Suggestions for communication between families and staff in early childhood settings are offered at each level. The book is based on empirical research that shows the importance of the home environment in influencing children's learning outcomes and long term potential. Each chapter is clearly laid out to address all elements of literacy - listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as the use of technology and the importance of conversing with children throughout the early years. It includes real-world scenarios and sample dialogue, as well as activities and resources to support early literacy learning.