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May 6, 2003
Encouraging Literacy Development in Preschoolers
Jodi Scott
Early Childhood Consultant, Regional Offices of Education #27, #28, and #49
Early Childhood Consultant, Regional Offices of Education #27, #28, and #49
Early literacy development begins the
moment a child is born and it continues to grow and build throughout
the early childhood years and beyond. Current research now puts a
great emphasis on emergent literacy as a precursor to success as a
learner later in life. Early literacy is not only about teaching children
to read and write. It is about creating a love for reading and writing
within each child. A child's ability to read is an immense predictor
of a child's success in school and later in life. The chat will address
the importance of reading aloud to children and strategies we can
use to engage children in reading and writing related activities.
We will discuss the before, during and after reading strategies for
supporting early literacy, the importance of oral language, the alphabetic
principal, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, environmental print and
strategies for developing comprehension. We will also discuss the
importance of the reading and writing connection. Early Literacy is
the development of skills that will aid a child in the journey of
learning to read and write with fluency and accuracy. "The ultimate
goal of any reading program is to inspire children to use their literacy
skills throughout their lives as tools for enjoyment, learning, and
communication. In order to attain that goal, children must be interested
and engaged in what they are doing and feel a sense of pride in their
accomplishments." (CIERA)
Want to learn more about this important topic? Here are some great resources on Encouraging Literacy Development in Preschoolers for parents and early childhood teachers!
Web Resources
- Helping Your Child Become a Reader
This Department of Education publication includes activities for children from infancy to age 6.
http://www.ed.gov/parents/academic/help/reader/index.html - Succeeding at Reading: Literacy in the Early
Years
This online issue of the Northwest Education Magazine from the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory includes several articles related to getting children ready to read.
http://www.nwrel.org/nwedu/fall_98/index.html - Children's Literacy Development: Suggestions
for Parent Involvement
As their children's first teachers, parents can encourage their children's interest in reading and writing. Here are ways to help.
http://reading.indiana.edu/ieo/digests/d89.html - Growing Up to Read
Parents and preschool teachers are important resources in the child's acquisition of language and beginning literacy concepts and skills.
http://books.nap.edu/readingroom/books/sor/sor-2.htm - Promoting Literacy in Your Child Care Program
Child care providers can foster the development of literacy in children.
http://www.nncc.org/Literacy/dc31_promote.lit.html - Born to Read: How to Raise a Reader
This site includes tips from the American Library Association on sharing books with a young child and a book list.
http://www.ala.org/ala/alsc/alscresources/borntoread/bornread.cfm - Language and Literacy Environments in Preschools
This ERIC Digest discusses the research on preschool literacy environments and their contributions to reading skills development.
http://www.ericfacility.net/ericdigests/ed426818.html Editor's note: This url has changed: http://www.ericdigests.org/1999-3/preschools.htm. - What Early Childhood Teachers Need to Know about
Language
Children acquire language best in meaningful contexts, through conversational interactions, and through encounters with written language. This ERIC Digest reports that early childhood teachers need knowledge about language as well as how to help children develop language and literacy skills.
http://www.ericfacility.net/ericdigests/ed447722.htmlEditor's note: This url has changed:http://www.ericdigests.org/2001-3/early.htm.
ERIC Database: Selected Records
To search the ERIC database for resources on this topic, use this search strategy: descriptors "literacy" or "emergent literacy." Combine with descriptors "early childhood education" or "preschool education" or "preschool children."
How to Obtain ERIC Documents and Journal Articles:
References identified with an ED (ERIC document)or EJ (ERIC journal) are cited in the ERIC database. ERIC Documents (citations identified by an ED number) may be available in full text from ERIC at no cost at the ERIC Web site: http://www.eric.ed.gov. Journal articles are available from the original journal, interlibrary loan services, or article reproduction clearinghouses.
If you would like to conduct your own free ERIC database searches via the Internet, go directly to http://www.eric.ed.gov/ERICWebPortal/Home.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=advanced
- ERIC Document No.: ED462139
Let Children Play and Develop into Readers and Writers of Their Own Worlds (Play to Promote Early Literacy)
Author: Musthafa, Bachrudin
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage.
Publication Date: December 2001
Abstract: This paper draws on research studies to: (1) elaborate on the nature of play and its function in children's overall development; (2) discuss how children's play relates to their literacy learning; and (3) propose practical suggestions for the use of play to promote early literacy in preschool programs. - ERIC Document No.: ED456904
Play and Literacy in Early Childhood: Research from Multiple Perspectives
Author(s): Roskos, Kathleen A., Ed.; Christie, James F., Ed.
Availability: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc., 10 Industrial Avenue, Mahwah, NJ 07430-2262
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: This book brings together studies, research syntheses, and critical commentaries that examine play-literacy relationships from cognitive, ecological, and cultural perspectives. Each set of chapters is followed by a critical review. - ERIC Document No.: ED456895
Emergent Literacy in Kindergarten: A Review of the Research and Related Suggested Activities and Learning Strategies
Author(s): Robinson, Violet B.; Ross, Gretchen; Neal, Harriet C.
Availability: California Kindergarten Association, 1710 South Amphlett Blvd., Suite 117, San Mateo, CA 94402
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: This book reviews research on emergent literacy among preschool and kindergarten children and provides suggestions for kindergarten teachers to create instructional programs that enhance children's literacy learning and to avoid developmentally inappropriate practices. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ626919
Promoting Early Literacy through Rhyme Detection Activities during Head Start Circle-Time
Author(s): Majsterek, David J.; Shorr, David N.; Erion, Virginia L.
Publication Date: 2000
Source: Child Study Journal, v30 n3 p143-51 2000
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: Investigated the effect of developmentally appropriate literacy interventions integrated into circle time in a Head Start setting on the detection of rhyme by 4- and 5-year-olds. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ610283
Using Transitions to Promote Literacy in Preschool and Primary Classrooms
Author: Petersen, Diane
Source: Young Children, v55 n4 p24-26 Jul 2000
Publication Date: 2000
Abstract: Describes how classroom transition times may be used to augment and complement a literacy program in a primary school classroom. - ERIC Document No.: ED431538
Teletubby Tales: Popular Culture in the Early Years Language and Literacy Curriculum
Author: Marsh, Jackie
Availability: EDRS Price MF01/PC01 Plus Postage
Publication Date: April 1999
Abstract: This study explored the potential of popular culture for motivating young children to engage in literacy and oracy practices. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ578099
I Can Write My Name! How Implementing a Sign-in Routine in Your Head Start Classroom Fosters Emergent Literacy
Author: Nelson, Carol J.
Source: Children and Families, v8 n1 p36-38 Win 1999
Publication Date: 1999
Abstract: Describes how a sign-in procedure in Head Start classrooms at the beginning of class can provide a functional use for name writing and give children practice and opportunities to gain confidence in writing. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ578098
Creating Blueprints for Literacy: Simple Ideas for Designing a Literacy-Friendly Head Start Classroom
Author: Denham, Marty
Source: Children and Families, v8 n1 p28-30, 33-34 Win 1999
Publication Date: 1999
Abstract: Describes how Head Start teachers can support children's emergent literacy by improving their classroom environment. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ578096
Read It Again! How Rereading -- and Rereading -- Stories Heightens Children's Literacy
Author: Lewman, Beverly
Source: Children and Families, v8 n1 p12-15 Win 1999
Publication Date: 1999
Abstract: Explores the benefits of reading stories to children, the impact of rereading, and a method of systematic rereading in the Head Start classroom to improve children's language and recall skills and to increase their attention span. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ602083
The Name as Transitional Object: The Development of the Preschoolers' Sense of Self as They Experience the World of Literacy
Author: Pacini, Veronica
Source: Canadian Children, v23 n1 p34-37 Spr 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: Establishes the role of the written name as transitional object that reaffirms preschoolers' self-concept and initiates them into the community of producers of written language. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ576003
My Favorite Day Is "Story Day"
Author: Kirk, Elizabeth W.
Source: Young Children, v53 n6 p27-30 Nov 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: Discusses the benefits for children's literacy, creativity, and enthusiasm for classroom activities of taking dictation of preschool children's own stories and facilitating dramatizations of these stories. Considers issues in the process of dictation and dramatization. Describes differences and similarities in children's stories and their relation to children's language development. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ574184
Children Get More than a Hamburger: Using Labels and Logos to Enhance Literacy
Author(s): West, Lillie S.; Egley, Esther H.
Source: Dimensions of Early Childhood, v26 n3-4 p43-46 Sum-Fall 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: Outlines strategies for using environmental print, such as personalized books, story walls, categorization games, and pretend play. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ570753
Preschoolers on Camera: Using Video to Explore Emergent Literacy
Author(s): Reynolds, Mary Ruth; Milner, Sharon
Source: Dimensions of Early Childhood, v26 n1 p23-24 Win 1998
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: Discusses the use of a video camera to record and extend young children's early literacy development through their dramatic play. - ERIC Document No.: ED421276
Everyday Creative Play: Simple Fun Things You Can Do to Help Your Young Child Learn
Author: Church, Lisa R.
Availability: Fairview Press, 2450 Riverside Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: Noting that parents are their children's first teachers, this book presents activities to help parents prepare their children for school. - ERIC Document No.: ED419232
Facilitating Preschool Literacy
Author: Campbell, Robin, Ed.
Availability: International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139
Publication Date: 1998
Abstract: This collection addresses three important themes in the literacy learning of preschool children: children are active constructors of their own learning; families provide invaluable support in the early literacy learning of children; and preschool settings should reflect the literacy learning that occurs in many homes to provide opportunities for children to further develop their literacy. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ556043
Promoting Reading and Writing in Head Start
Author(s): Dodge, Diane Trister
Source: Children and Families, v16 n4 p26-31 Fall 1997
Publication Date: 1997
Abstract: Notes Head Start's obligation to promote literacy skills; presents pertinent strategies. - ERIC Journal No.: EJ637789
The Effects of Observational Learning on Preschoolers' Book-Related Behaviors and Alphabet Knowledge
Author: Horner, Sherri L.
Source: Child Study Journal, v31 n1 p1-11 2001
Publication Date: 2001
Abstract: Investigated effects of observational learning on preschoolers' attention to print, use of a questioning technique, and knowledge of the alphabet.
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