Precursors to Early Literacy
Overview:
"Precursors to early literacy has become a prominent research topic, particularly with schools’ hightened accountability under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Children are encouraged to enter kindergarten with more advanced skills that facilitate the process of learning to read. Research supports that pre-reading skills are built through a broad range of early developmental experiences including-- a child’s play which establishes language and communication, nurturing adult (and peer) relationships which lay a strong socio-emotional foundation for learning, and through activities such as shared reading.
Precursors to early literacy are children’s activities and behaviors related to reading and writing before they can actually read and write, including talking, singing, and looking at story books (e.g. holding them properly and ‘pretending’ to read).
Programs like Head Start incorporate a variety of classroom-based literacy interventions--often with parental involvement components--to teach children preliteracy skills so they are “ready to learn” when they arrive in kindergarten. These interventions include a strong focus on academic skills such as letter and word recognition, and phonemic awareness instruction (i.e. associating letters and syllables with speech sounds). Other programs look to home interventions and even library-based interventions to lay the foundation for early literacy." - Click on the link above for the full version.
New Infant-Toddler language and early literacy activities: Free and Reproducible
Developed by Angela Notari-Syverson, Ph.D, and Judy Challoner, M.S.
To download materials go to www.walearning.com and click on the purple button that says "Free Parent Education Handouts" on the home page.
Building Literacy With Love: A Guide for Teachers and Caregivers of Children Birth Through Age 5
ISBN: 9780943657820
Betty S. Bardige and Marilyn M. Segal 2005
The path to literacy begins in infancy. Building Literacy With Love suggests loving ways adults can provide experiences that foster children’s ability to become literate. This book offers practical suggestions for implementing effective, research-based teaching practices in child-care settings.
Price: $29.95
(Available from www.barnesandnoble.com or www.zerotothree.org.)
Learning to Read the World: Language and Literacy in the First Three Years
ISBN: 9780943657868
Edited by Sharon E. Rosenkoetter and Joanne Knapp-Philo 2006
Infants and toddlers typically learn to read the world by getting support and encouragement from parents and caregivers—the cherished adults who are an essential part of their day-to-day routines and interactions. In this book, the editors draw on research from multiple fields to explore infant−toddler learning as it relates to beginning language and literacy. They approach this important topic from numerous vantage points: scholarship, parenting, culture, leadership, policy, direct service, training, and community development. This provides a broad understanding of how very young children move toward literacy and suggest ways that readers can encourage young children to delight in words, shapes, sounds, symbols, concepts, and other facets of language and literacy development.
Price: $39.95
(Available from www.barnesandnoble.com or www.zerotothree.org.)
Poems to Learn to Read By: Building Literacy With Love
ISBN: 9780943657929
Betty S. Bardige and Marilyn M. Segal 2005
Poems to Learn to Read By provides parents and teachers of young children with tools to support their emerging language and literacy. Poems to Learn to Read By is two books in one. It is a collection of poems that children from birth to school age will enjoy with adults. Some of the poems are humorous, some are informative, and some are evocative or instructive. Some tell stories, and others simply play with sounds and words. The poems address the interests, feelings, and questions of young children in words that they can understand and enjoy. And many of the poems lend themselves to acting out, singing, chanting, or choral reading. Poems to Learn to Read By is also a valuable guide for caregivers, early childhood educators, and parents. The authors offer information and ideas on how to use the poems to strengthen children’s language, build their literacy skills, help them manage strong emotions, and enhance their relationships.
Price: $22.95
(Available from www.barnesandnoble.com or www.zerotothree.org.)
