Tag Archives: language and 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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
Filed under Building Readers
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 … Continue reading
Filed under Building Readers
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 … Continue reading
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 … Continue reading
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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 … Continue reading
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