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 »
Tag: Family Literacy
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 »
Celebrating Chinese Culture
As you know, it is imperative that you incorporate books into your classroom about the ethnicities and cultures of the children you serve and that some of those books are written by authors and illustrators native to those cultures. But did you know that it is also important to teach children about cultures they might… 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 »
The “High Five” Early Literacy Skills
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 »
Celebrating African-American Authors and Illustrators
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is quickly approaching (1/17/22) with Black History Month to follow (February 2022). This is a perfect time to introduce children to more amazing African-American authors and illustrators. Did you know that there is an African-American Children’s Book Project? Here are some of the project’s 2021 Best Picture Books. All are … Read more »
A Culturally Responsive Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, but did you know that November is also National Native American Heritage month? During this time, be intentional about using terms that value and respect all people and avoid stereotyping by planning lessons and using materials that celebrate Native American heritage and traditions. For example, steer away from creating “Indian headbands”… Read more »
Culturally Responsive Literacy – Día de los Muertos
What are you learning about with your students? Fall to Winter in the PreK-3 classroom usually means one thing – holidays. While we know you’re busy picking books, scripting plays, making treats, and coordinating your holiday teacher sweaters, we thought the season was ripe for recommending some fresh ideas for doing holidays inclusively with your young… Read more »
All About Dialogic Reading
Dialogic Reading Link is an evidence-based interactive shared-reading practice that teachers and families can use to enhance children’s oral language development. It involves using the same book multiple times to progress through three levels of questioning with small groups or individual children. Dialogic Reading introduces new vocabulary, supports comprehension, and develops creative and critical… Read more »