Early Literacy Tips
Supporting Early Childhood Programs, Issue 14
Appreciating Early Childhood Staff
Another Teacher Appreciation Month is about to end.
Mugs were unwrapped, handmade cards were lovingly hung on walls, and cakes were eaten in the staff lounge. The gratitude bestowed upon educators this month from families, students, and schools, is appreciated, but the tip of the iceberg for what teachers truly deserve! The Literacy Team are adding our voices to the chorus, sending our utmost respect and recognition of the critical work that educators; teachers, associates, supports, home-visitors (of infants, toddlers, and prekindergartners) across our county do each day.
Preschool Programs
People often think that reading begins with learning to sound out letters. Most young kids are getting ready to read, however, long before they learn that letters stand for sounds. Reading actually starts with kids tuning in to the sounds of spoken words. That’s where phonological awareness comes in.
- Freebies for phonological awareness wordplay.
Nursery Rhymes
Syllable Cards
Rhyming Dice
0-3 Programs
Developing Phonological Awareness
Using familiar songs, chants, and words helps children develop phonological awareness. Once children have mastered a skill (they become experienced in rhyming, for example), more practice on that skill is not necessary. Instead, they can develop new skills, such as breaking words into syllables.
Small-group activities allow teachers to more easily hear each child make, use, and play with sounds. Small-group activities should be fun, engaging, and include positive feedback and modeling.
Home-Based Programs
Talk, talk, talk
It's adorable when your toddler comes up with words that sound like and have the same meaning as real words, such as saying "nana" for banana or "poonce" for spoon. But your kiddo understands far more than he can express, so don't just baby talk to him. Narrate his day using as many descriptive words as you can. Answer his questions and ask him questions that he can answer. When you go for a walk, describe what you see. The more words a child hears, the easier it will be to distinguish between and understand the meaning of them.
Read, read, read
Sing, sing, sing
Family Tips to Share
Print out of share electronically literacy tips each month with your families.
Michelle McQueen
Genesee Intermediate School District
Email: mmcqueen@geneseeisd.org
Website: https://www.literacyessentials0-5.org/
Location: Genesee Intermediate School District
Phone: (810) 922-1707