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 »
Tag: Literature
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 Foundation of Equitable Literacy Instruction
What is equitable literacy instruction? Equitable literacy instruction is comprised of instructional practices that support all children to achieve high outcomes regardless of ability, race, or any other marginalized identity. Our extensive literature review identified 6 equitable foundational principles that provide the necessary classroom infrastructure for implementing effective equitable literacy instruction in Preschool to 3rd… 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 »
Enjoying the Holidays in a Culturally Responsive Way
Celebrating holidays in early childhood settings is not only fun and exciting, it offers additional opportunities to develop children’s early literacy skills by connecting lessons to occasions occurring both in the context of their daily lives and cultures and those around the world. Holiday literacy lessons involve books, dramatic play, drawing/writing, cooking, crafts, games, etc. … 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 »
Rich Language Modeling in Diverse Books
As you’re working to diversify your library, you might consider exploring the linguistic diversity of the students in your classroom and in American society at large. Linguistically diverse children’s books can help accomplish this! Read below to learn a bit more about dialects of English and speakers of English as a new language, then find… Read more »
Diversifying Your Library
As you choose books for your classroom library, be sure that all children are represented in your selections. Include books with characters, authors, and illustrators representative of different ethnicities, races, cultures, abilities, and family structures. Buying books is not the only way to expand your library’s inventory. Consider visiting your local library and borrowing books… Read more »