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 »
Tag: Early Literacy
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 »
What Do the Numbers Say? The Math and Literacy Link
In early childhood education, math and literacy are often viewed as completely separate learning domains. However, while math and literacy may seem like completely different skills sets, they are actually interconnected and can support the development of one another. Furthermore, some research has found a strong link between children’s numeracy skills and their reading skills…. Read more »
Breaking Barriers by Supporting Children with Identified Disabilities to Fully Participate in Early Literacy Activities
March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Therefore, this entry will focus on strategies that support young children with identified disabilities to fully participate in early literacy activities. Literacy is the thread that weaves together imagination, communication, and learning. For children with disabilities, this thread is uniquely shaped by their needs, abilities, and modes of engagement. … Read more »
The Many Ways to Read a Book
From the moment they first encounter a book, to the magical moments when they decode words independently, the process of learning to read is a fascinating adventure filled with discovery and wonder. Let’s explore the different ways children “read” books: Touching: For infants and toddlers, books are not just stories but tactile experiences. Little fingers… Read more »
Connecting Early Literacy and the Science of Reading
The ability to read and comprehend written language opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and personal growth. However, not all approaches to teaching reading are evidence-based. That’s where the Science of Reading comes in. It’s a comprehensive framework rooted in cognitive science and linguistics that provides concrete information about how we learn to read and how… Read more »
Monkey See, Monkey Do- It’s More than Just a Game!
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 »
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 »
How Early is Too Early to Think About Dyslexia?
October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month. Dyslexia is a neurological condition that affects language processing, particularly reading and writing skills. All children are unique, develop literacy skills at their own pace, and can fall into a wide continuum of typical development. Even so, there are signs of possible dyslexia that are important to be aware… 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 »