So much to do and so little time. When you are busy trying to get everything done, it’s easy to overlook the potential for teaching early literacy skills during everyday chores. However, research suggests that daily tasks like picking up, cooking, washing dishes, folding laundry, and cleaning offer rich, natural opportunities for children to develop… Read more »
Tag: Early Literacy Skills
Growing Minds and Hearts: How Early Literacy Supports Social-Emotional Learning
It’s the most wonderful time of the year – a time when people often focus on kindness, love, and generosity- and the perfect time to think about the connection between literacy and social emotional learning. While the role early literacy activities play in fostering cognitive skills, such as language development and literacy proficiency is well… Read more »
Making Winter Literacy Magic
Brrr! For many of us winter is here and it can be daunting to think about how to keep young children engaged during the chilly months ahead. However, winter offers an opportunity to engage children in unique hands-on interactive seasonal-themed activities that promote early literacy skills development. Let’s explore some strategies for supporting early literacy… Read more »
From Twinkle, Twinkle to ABC: The Magic of Music in Early Literacy
Music plays an important role in supporting early literacy development. Research shows that integrating music into early childhood education can enhance phonological awareness, vocabulary acquisition, and motor skills which are foundational to reading and writing. Let’s take a closer look at how music fosters early literacy skills. Music Promotes Phonological Awareness Phonological awareness is the… Read more »
Create and Read: How Crafting Supports Early Literacy Skills
It’s that time of year again. The holidays are approaching and we start thinking about all the fun crafts we can do with our little ones. Yes, crafts are fun and cute, but as with all activities, be sure to consider what makes crafting meaningful for young children and always consider the purpose of the… Read more »
Fall into Literacy: Using The Autumn Season to Support Early Literacy Skills
The Autumn season offers numerous opportunities to support early literacy development with its vibrant colors, exciting holidays, and cozy atmosphere. Educators and families can maximize children’s natural curiosity and excitement of this time of year to create meaningful and engaging literacy experiences. Incorporating seasonal themes into literacy activities helps children connect learning to their real… Read more »
Small Objects, Big Words: Boosting Early Literacy through Show and Tell
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 »
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 »