It’s no secret: I love to discover a great new children’s book. While Max’s Words by Katie Banks is not actually a “new” book (it was published in 2006), it is “new to me” and I’m so glad I found it!
Book Activity: Max’s Words
It’s no secret: I love to discover a great new children’s book. While Max’s Words by Katie Banks is not actually a “new” book (it was published in 2006), it is “new to me” and I’m so glad I found it!
The Write Way to Read
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: [Read more…]
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 .
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 .
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 has nothing to do with letters on a page.
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 comes to realize that these organized symbols represent spoken words, which in turn, represent actual objects and ideas. Concepts of print also includes directionality (left to right, top to bottom) and function. So how do you go about instilling children with an understanding of the concepts of print? Here are a few ideas: [Read more…]
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 early years, so much is being done to build successful readers, but it is in the form of emergent or early literacy skills, which are much less visible to the untrained eye. [Read more…]
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 early years, so much is being done to build successful readers, but it is in the form of emergent or early literacy skills, which are much less visible to the untrained eye. [Read more…]
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 snuggling up in my dad’s lap and listening to him read some of my favorite stories and the “funny page” in the Sunday paper. It was a real treat to get that one-on-one time, not to mention getting to hear his hilariously animated voices as well.
