As the year winds down, it’s a good time to stop and reflect on the type of learning experiences we are providing young children and think about any changes we might want to make starting in the new year. Child-directed play has emerged as a significant approach to developing children’s early literacy skills supported by… Read more »
Tag: Early Literacy Skills
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 nurturing and supportive environments that support early literacy skills to flourish. Research indicates that the frequency and quality of interactions… 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 »
Meeting Everyone’s Needs- Foundational Principle 6: Family Engagement
If you haven’t yet, be sure to visit this original blog post which shared 6 evidence-based foundational principles for supporting all children to be successful in their early childhood environments: https://blogs.iu.edu/earlyliteracy/2025/04/25/all-really-does-mean-all/ . The sixth and final foundational principle is Family Engagement. It requires engaging with families and supporting them to use evidence-based early literacy practices… Read more »
A Breath of Fresh Air: Tips for Developing Early Literacy Skills in the Spring
As we know, and research supports, young children’s literacy development is crucial to building a foundation for future language acquisition, communication skills, and later reading success (National Early Literacy Panel [NELP], 2008). Springtime provides a wonderful opportunity to foster children’s literacy skills by offering new experiences and vibrant outdoor settings that can ignite children’s natural… Read more »