The ability to read and write is central to our daily lives. Early literacy refers to the development of reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills that are crucial for building the foundation of literacy success in later years. In this course, you’ll learn about the development of early literacy skills and discover how to support these crucial building blocks for preschoolers’ eventual success as readers and writers. Building these skills is very important because a child who enters kindergarten behind in literacy skill development will be at a long-term disadvantage. This course will review the research and provide you with ways to support the children in your group as they continue on their journey to becoming successful readers and writers.

Learning Outcomes

• Identify ways to increase print awareness in your learning environment.
• Discuss ways to teach letter and accompanying sound recognition that addresses diverse learning styles.
• Identify the skill levels of phonological awareness and implement activities that support phonological awareness.
• Discuss the importance of and conduct multiple, interactive read alouds.
• Identify the stages of emergent writing and implement a variety of ways to support developing writers.
• Discuss the attributes of story retells and reenactments and provide ways to engage families with their children’s early literacy development.

These strategies are job-embedded and will need to be implemented with preschoolers in your program.