Child Development 2
Chapter 13 – Fostering the Emergence of Literacy
What is appropriate Literacy teaching in Early Childhood?
· A highly structured reading program in preschool
o Understand what families want
o Communicate with families about their children’s learning
o Benefits of Play
o Language Development activities
o Foundations of Literacy
o Use Documentation of Children’s Learning
· What is the difference between fostering emergent literacy and teaching children to read and write?
o Early literacy refers to behaviors seen in very young children, typically 2- to 3-year olds as they attempt reading and writing acts without the awareness or understanding of letter-sound relationships.
o Emerging literacy refers to behaviors observed in 4- to 5-year old children when an awareness and understanding of letter-sound relationship begins to develop.
Teaching Strategies to help children develop literacy – Figure 13.1 - page 334
Activities that support children’s learning to read and write in the primary grades – Figure 13.2 – page 335
Some Fundamental Principles to Keep in Mind
· Encourage Families to read to the children at home
· Teachers should make it plain that they value the wonderful world of books
· Teachers should emphasize how useful the written word can be
Even Very Young Children Can and Should Be Involved in Producing the Written Word
· Writing on their own
· Writing in the primary grades
· Having someone write for them
Suggestions for presenting a language-Rich group-time experience
· Include a variety of activities
· Some specific suggestions about materials to include
o Do include a book and poetry
o Music and fingerplays are important, too
o Auditory training should be provided
o Group time is an ideal time to provide practice in Cognitive skills
o Group time should provide multicultural, non-sexist subject matter - Figure 13.4 – page 346
· Management suggestions to help group time go more smoothly
o It is always wise to plan more activities than you are likely to use
o Make certain the children talk, too
o Make certain the material is interesting
o Keep the tempo of group time upbeat
o Some advice about starting and stopping
o Some to do about undesirable behavior
o Try breaking into smaller groups