Why do we play imitation games with young children? Of course it’s fun, but did you know that the ability to imitate actions and sounds is a crucial aspect of children’s literacy development? Let’s explore why encouraging children to imitate actions and sounds is an important part of their literacy journey. It Builds Cognitive… Read more »
Instructional Strategies
Abolishing Ableism in Early Childhood Settings
In the words of James Comer “No significant learning can occur without a significant relationship”. Therefore, developing early literacy skills requires building significant relationships with children. In order to develop significant relationships with children, they must feel valued, respected, and loved for exactly who they are. It is crucial to create inclusive environments that value… Read more »
How to Develop Phonological and Phonemic Awareness During Emergent Literacy
During the emergent literacy stage our earliest developing readers and writers, typically aged birth to two years, are just beginning to understand and manipulate the sounds and structures of language. Even though children in this stage are not yet explicitly aware of phonemes and phonological concepts, there are strategies that promote language development that also… Read more »
The Write Start: Developing Writing Skills from Birth
High Five skill # 5, early writing, doesn’t begin when children can hold writing/drawing instruments. It begins in infancy as we work to develop the precursory skills children need to engage in writing activities. Writing engages the brain in unique ways that support memory and meaning making that can’t be duplicated by using technology. Research… 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 »
Equitable Literacy: Foundational Principle II: Universal Design for Learning (UDL) in Early Childhood Environments
If you haven’t yet, be sure to visit this original blog post https://blogs.iu.edu/earlyliteracy/ which shared 6 evidence-based foundational equitable principles for supporting diverse learners. Implementing these principles into your classroom provides all children equitable educational opportunities. UDL and You! Every teacher knows and appreciates how complicated and diverse our young learners are. It can be overwhelming… Read more »