Often, when we think of writing, we think of penmanship. We give children handwriting guides and workbooks and think we’re teaching writing. But truly writing in the context of developmental literacy is so much more. In my view, writing is a display of a composite of skills: Fine Motor Skills An Understanding that Print Carries [...]
Posts Tagged as ‘language and literacy’
August 25, 2010
Say What? How a Preschooler’s Verbal Ability Influences Literacy.
Just over a month ago, I wrote Why We Should Use Big Words with Little Kids. I would strongly recommend reading that if you haven’t already. Today is simply an extension of that post, connecting the concepts I wrote about there, with early literacy . Connecting the two is not hard at all when you [...]
August 24, 2010
Do You Hear That? Why Phonological Awareness is So Important for Preschoolers
Phonological Awareness is quite possibly my favorite early literacy skill to discuss. Partly because many people are already implementing it to some degree without recognizing it (remember: recognize, emphasize, maximize…), but also because many resources and studies suggest that it is the #1 predictor of reading success. Which is often surprising to people, since it [...]
August 20, 2010
Words, Words, Words. Building Print Concepts with Preschoolers
Before a child can begin to put the sounds together to read about Sam and his green eggs, he must have mastered the concepts of print. In large part, this means that he understands that letters can combine to make words and that written words convey meaning. It requires some abstract thinking, as a child [...]
August 16, 2010
Why Don’t You Teach Reading? A Look at Emergent Literacy
Many developmentally appropriate preschool teachers have been asked, “Why don’t you teach reading?” The question is innocent. But teachers often come away frustrated, as most of what they do is focused on building successful readers. Often, outside observers are looking for reading worksheets and primers and long stretches of direct phonics instruction. The trick is, in these [...]
July 31, 2010
How to Improve Your Read-Alouds with Young Children
It’s hard to disagree with the evidence that reading aloud to young children yields great benefits throughout life. And that’s just the factors that are easily tested – language skills, reading readiness, comprehension, and so on. Add to that the relationship building aspect that comes along with a positive shared experience. I still remember [...]
July 20, 2010
Speak UP! Why We Should Use Big Words With Little Kids
Have you ever overheard someone talking to an infant, and they use that high, sing-songy voice? That’s called “parentese” and it’s been shown in research to support language development in infants. Now, have you ever heard someone use that same voice and watered-down words with a preschooler? That’s called patronizing, and it shows a gross underestimation [...]
February 23, 2010
A Book Like Me
In case you didn’t know it, February is Black History Month. Seeing many of the books and articles marketed toward this time of year has caused me to think a bit about the use of ethnicity in children’s books. I really am a big fan of ethnic books for children….and I’m not. Let me explain. [...]
February 16, 2009
Percussion Band – Syllable Style
Percussion instruments are great for young children! Perhaps the human voice is the only instrument that comes so naturally! Try this activity for combining music and language activities together. Begin by showing an assortment of percussion instruments. This could include drums, rhythm sticks, cowbell and mallet, wood blocks, anything that produces a sound when struck. [...]
