As you know, literacy is one of the most important aspects of early childhood development and includes what I like to refer to as the “High Five” early literacy skills: 1) phonological and phonemic awareness; 2) alphabet knowledge, 3) concepts about print 4) oral language and 5) early writing. The “High Five” early literacy skills… Read more »
Entries by hallma
Early Literacy: Developmental Continuum
The Reading Brain Early literacy skills serve as building blocks for a child’s future reading and writing abilities, enabling them to thrive academically and in life. Let’s explore the Early Literacy Skills Continuum, understanding its significance and effective ways to support children on their unique literacy journey. The Early Literacy Skills Continuum is a developmental… Read more »
Leveraging MTSS and the Pyramid Model to Support Early Literacy Skills
Fostering the healthy development of young minds in early care and education optimizes early literacy skills acquisition. It requires providing the best possible support to nurture children’s social, emotional, and academic growth. Two research-based frameworks have emerged as guiding principles: Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and the Pyramid Model. By understanding and implementing these approaches,… Read more »
Authentic Literacy Skills Assessment in the Early Years
Literacy skills form the foundation of a child’s academic journey, empowering them to explore the world through books, imagination, and knowledge. It is essential to assess children’s literacy skills accurately and meaningfully. Authentic assessment methods offer a window into a child’s true capabilities, so that learning experiences can be tailored and and targeted support can… Read more »
Unlocking Early Literacy with Universal Design for Learning
Early literacy skills lay the foundation for a child’s lifelong learning journey. Every child is unique, and they learn and develop at their own pace. Universal Design for Learning (UDL) aims to create inclusive learning environments by providing multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression. When applied to early literacy instruction, UDL can support and… Read more »
Nurturing Literacy: Why Welcoming Environments Matter to Literacy Skills Development
As children embark on their educational journey, feeling welcomed and supported in their early childhood settings lays a strong foundation for their literacy development. Let’s explore the importance of creating a nurturing and inclusive environment for children in their early years and how it directly impacts their literacy skills. Fostering a Sense of Belonging: When… Read more »
Water Play is Dripping with Literacy Opportunities!
What better way to spend a hot July day than outside playing in water! Whether it be floating at the pool, running through a sprinkler, splashing in a water table, sitting in the beach surf or wading in a creek, water play holds incredible potential for promoting early literacy skills development in young children. Through… Read more »
Using Literacy to Celebrate Differences!
The early years set the tone for children’s feelings, beliefs, and ideas about those different from them. As shared in this previous blog post: https://blogs.iu.edu/earlyliteracy/2023/06/12/discussing-race-and-freedom-with-young-children/, the sooner these conversations start, the better. Supporting children to learn about the world’s diversity is especially important if you live and/or work in a mostly homogeneous community. Books are… Read more »
Fireworks and Early Literacy
There are lots of fun ways to celebrate the July 4th holiday with young children including things like painting with red, white, and blue, singing related songs and fingerplays, and even using fireworks videos to launch science lessons. But did you know that these activities support early literacy skills too? Painting and collage activities help… Read more »
Sun, Sand, and Sentences
Summer Solstice was 6/21/23, marking the official start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer is most noted by its warmer weather and longer daylight which contribute to additional time spent outdoors. While most of us realize the benefits of outdoor play such as climbing, running, jumping, etc. for children’s gross motor development, recent research… Read more »