One of the most common questions we are asked as early childhood educators is: How is my child learning to read and write?
The answer to this question is not a simple one. There are several ways in which we promote and facilitate children’s learning; however, we thought we would share with you a few of the literacy opportunities available in our classroom.
- Daily sign in
Every day the children are expected to sign in when they arrive to class. This simple activity preforms two main functions: It requires them to read the names on the books in order to find their own, and it provides them with an opportunity to practice printing their name. Everyone is at a different stage of writing; for some it may mean simply making marks on the page, while others may have mastered their name and moved on to writing surnames, phone numbers, etc. - Environmental print
The classroom environment is rich with print. In addition to typed text, there is also hand writing from both children and adults. From labels to learning stories our room is filled with the written word. “As young children experience different types of print, they learn what all the letters and words mean in different contexts and how they affect their lives. Providing a print-rich classroom environment exposes children to reading in a functional way.” (Angie Dorrell, M.A) - Opportunities for mark making
You will find mark making opportunities throughout the entire classroom. Materials are readily available and can be accessed by children at any time. There are a variety of writing implements to choose from and invitations for learning are set out daily to inspire children. - Quality literature
The children are exposed to an assortment of high quality books, poems and songs on a daily basis. This exposure is an important part of a child’s early literacy experience. It exposes them to complex concepts, such as rhythm and rhyme, story structure and vocabulary. Often a child can recite selections well beyond their current level of speech.
Melissa McCallum
