The “High Five” Early Literacy Skills

1. Phonological and Phonemic Awareness

Phonological and phonemic awareness are the cornerstones of a child’s ability to grasp the sounds of language and understand its phonetic structure. Phonological awareness refers to the ability to recognize and manipulate the larger units of sound in spoken language, such as syllables, words, and rhymes. On the other hand, phonemic awareness is more advanced and involves the ability to identify and manipulate individual phonemes—the smallest units of sound in a language.

Activities to support phonological and phonemic awareness can include nursery rhymes, word games, clapping syllables, and identifying rhyming words. Cultivating these skills at an early age strengthens a child’s reading readiness and paves the way for decoding and spelling abilities later on.

2. Alphabet Knowledge

Alphabet knowledge is the understanding of the names and shapes of letters in the alphabet. It serves as the bridge between spoken and written language, allowing children to make connections between the sounds they hear and the corresponding symbols on the page. Mastery of alphabet knowledge sets the stage for learning to read and write.

To promote alphabet knowledge, educators can incorporate letter recognition games, alphabet books, and interactive activities where children identify/form/trace/write letters.  It is essential to keep these experiences enjoyable and engaging to foster a positive association with learning letters.

3. Concepts About Print

Concepts about print refer to a child’s understanding of how written language works, including the directionality of reading (left to right and top to bottom), the spacing between words, and the differentiation between letters, words, and sentences. Developing concepts about print is an essential pre-reading skill as it enables children to navigate texts independently.

Incorporating print-rich environments, such as labeling classroom objects, using big books during storytime, and demonstrating how to handle books properly, all contribute to fostering concepts about print.

4. Oral Language

Oral language forms the basis for all aspects of literacy development. It involves listening, speaking, and understanding the spoken word. A rich and diverse vocabulary, along with effective communication skills, lays the groundwork for reading comprehension and writing expression.

Encouraging meaningful conversations, storytelling, and group discussions can help promote oral language development. Additionally, providing opportunities for dramatic play and role-playing allows children to explore language in various social contexts.

5. Early Writing

Early writing marks a significant milestone in a child’s literacy journey. It involves attempts at producing written language through scribbles, letter-like forms, and eventually recognizable letters and words. Early writing experiences allow children to express themselves creatively and begin to understand the connection between spoken and written language.

To support early writing, educators can offer a variety of writing materials, such as crayons, markers, and chalk, as well as providing ample opportunities for drawing, writing letters, and engaging in pretend writing activities.

Early childhood education lays the groundwork for a child’s literacy development. Fostering phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, concepts about print, oral language, and early writing creates a strong foundation for reading and writing success. These concepts not only promote academic achievement, but also nurture a lifelong love for language and learning. By developing these fundamental concepts, we  empower our youngest learners to become confident, capable, and enthusiastic readers and writers.

Stay tuned over the next few weeks as I unpack each of the “High Five” and share concrete strategies for implementing them in your early childhood settings, including adaptations and modifications for children with diverse learning needs.