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 »
Tag: Instructional Strategies
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 »
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 »
Yes, Rest Time Reading Matters!
Whether it be naptime or bedtime, reading to young children before they go to sleep fosters several developmental skills, including language acquisition, cognitive growth, and emotional bonding. A consistent rest time reading routine promotes early literacy and strengthens the caregiver-child relationship which supports future learning and well-being. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits… Read more »
Making Story Time Magical: Fun Ways to Involve Young Children
Engaging young minds by making story time interactive fosters their early literacy and cognitive skills development. Caregivers and educators can significantly enhance language acquisition, imagination, and social skills by making story time interactive. Recent research has found that interactive story time has a positive impact on children’s brain development, imagination, language, and learning. Interactive story… Read more »
The Power of Pictures: How Book Illustrations Boost Early Literacy
Yes, the pictures do matter! Illustrations are more than just decorative elements, they are a key part of books that support children’s early literacy skills. Recent research emphasizes the significant impact of visual elements on young readers’ cognitive and language development. Let’s explore how the illustrations in children’s books foster early literacy skills. Enhance Comprehension… Read more »