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: Research to Practice
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 »
Developing Early Literacy through Child-Directed Play
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »