Whether you call it “Show and Tell”, “Sharing Time”, “All About Me” or some other name, providing children opportunities to share information about themselves and their preferences is a classic classroom activity that offers a powerful way to develop early literacy skills, especially in young children. Encouraging children to bring objects from home and describe… Read more »
Making Questions Count
One of the most impactful ways to support early literacy is by asking effective questions. When done thoughtfully and intentionally, questioning promotes language development, builds vocabulary, and enhances comprehension. But what types of questions count the most? And how can we ask them in ways that truly foster young children’s developing literacy skills? Let’s explore… Read more »
The Real Deal: Authentic Early Literacy Assessment
Knowing the early literacy skills children have mastered and which ones are emerging for them is key to designing instruction and additional interventions that support ALL children to achieve high outcomes. It is essential to assess children’s literacy skills accurately and meaningfully. Authentic assessment provides a holistic view of children’s early literacy skills in real-world… Read more »
Digging Into Early Literacy Interventions to Plant Literacy Seeds that Blossom
Designing effective early literacy interventions for children birth to five-years-old requires understanding the key early literacy developmental stages and incorporating evidence-based practices that support language acquisition, phonemic and phonological awareness, and a love of reading. From birth to five-years old children experience rapid growth in their cognitive, linguistic, and social-emotional skills. During this time, they… Read more »
Small Talk, Big Impact: The Power of Conversations
Birth-preschool is the most critical period for children’s language development. Research shows that engaging young children in conversations builds their vocabulary, enhances their comprehension, and supports their future reading and writing skills. Conversations with adults expose children to a broader vocabulary, richer sentence structures, and various linguistic cues that are essential for literacy growth. Recent… Read more »
Love, Language, and Learning: The Role of Relationships in Developing Literacy Skills
While much attention is given to early literacy educational practices and programs, the impact of positive relationships between caregivers and young children on their literacy development cannot be overstated. Positive relationships are the foundation of environments that support early literacy skills to flourish. Research indicates that the frequency and quality of interactions between caregivers and… Read more »
Classroom Design with Literacy in Mind
Designing early childhood classrooms that support literacy skills development requires thoughtful organization, intentional material placement, and establishing routines that include literacy activities. Let’s take a closer look at some strategies that create settings that support the development of children’s literacy skills: Label Items: Label children’s personal items and classroom materials with pictures and words. Labeling… Read more »
Eating It Up! Developing Literacy During Mealtimes
Mealtimes offer an ideal opportunity to develop children’s early literacy skills. For example, talking with children during meals can significantly enhance their language development and other literacy skills. Research has shown that these types of interactions support the foundation for later reading and academic success. Benefits of Mealtime Conversations Language Development: Talking with children during… Read more »
Developing Early Literacy through Child-Directed Play
Child-directed play has emerged as a significant approach to developing children’s early literacy skills supported by recent research and educational practices. Play is the primary mode through which young children learn and develop. It encompasses various types, including free play, guided play, and structured play. Free play is child-initiated and directed, allowing children to explore… Read more »
Growing Literacy Skills Using Science Activities
Hands on science activities are highly engaging to young learners. Such activities also enhance early literacy skills, a connection supported by a growing body of research. Let’s take a closer look at how science experiences support early literacy skills. #1: Encouraging Curiosity and Inquiry Science activities evoke children’s natural curiosity. During science investigations, children ask… Read more »