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 »
Tag: Shared Reading
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 environments that support early literacy skills to flourish. Research indicates that the frequency and quality of interactions between caregivers and… 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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »