Objectives We will explore preschool literacy. We will discuss how to establish balanced literacy in our classrooms. We will create a plan to enhance the literacy in our classrooms. We will have FUN!

Pre-School Literacy

How Important Is It? The quality of language development and interaction in the preschool years can, according to Hart & Riley's research (1995), predict reading achievement six years later.

Cathy Puett Miller suggests, preschool teachers offer opportunities for children to : Think Wonder Ponder

Oral Language Carve out time each day for interesting, extended conversations using lots of different (and complex) words. Use talk to help young children explore and understand their world. Encourage the inquisitive. Help children tell or retell stories as they view pictures, share something important to them, and answer questions in complete, complex sentences.

Reading Aloud Preview and pre-read each book carefully. Ask yourself, "What questions might arise in my children's minds? What might they be interested in learning more about?" Pause from time to time for mini "think-alouds" or mini discussions. Use the magic words "Let's see what happens next" if you find conversation straying too far.

Phonological Awareness Embed phonological awareness in playful, interactive experiences with young children. No structured sit-down lessons.

Dr Catherine Snow reminds us that the “best way to grow language and literacy skills in young children is through "activities that are integrated across different developmental areas." Focusing on the above mentioned three essentials, instead of structured sit down lessons, flashcard drills, and worksheets, will keep you (and your children) on the right track.” http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/columnists/miller/miller044.shtml

Preschool Writing

5 Pre-Writing Activities for Preschool

Peg or Straw Activities Any basic activities where students are holding an object similar to how they would hold a writing utensil helps build grip strength.

Dot Painting Dot painting helps familiarize students with letter and number shapes while practicing precision in placing their finger.

Finger Tracing Letters Before holding an implement, it helps to trace a letter with a finger. Doing so helps students develop stronger familiarity, begin memorizing how to write letters, and adds a sensory aspect to forming letters. You can employ multiple types of materials for tracing activities.

Dot-to-Dot Activities Dot-to-dot worksheets actually help build pre-writing skills! Create your own to cater to your child’s needs. “Down” and “across” are the first writing motions to master.

Writing Inside Bubble Letters “Bubble letters” offer parameters for letter formation. http://www.icanteachmychild.com/five-pre-writing-activities-for-preschoolers/

Balanced Literacy in Preschool September 5, 2014

What is balanced literacy? Talk to your neighbor and brainstorm what it means to have balanced literacy in your preschool classroom?

Spiegel has defined balance as a “decision making approach through which the teacher makes thoughtful choices each day about the best way to help each child become a better reader and writer”. Spiegel, 1998

Balanced Literacy

Balanced Literacy Reading Writing Read Aloud Shared Reading Interactive Reading Guided Reading Independent Reading Write Aloud Shared Writing Interactive Writing Guided Writing Independent Writing

Shared Writing and Read-Aloud both focus on building up students' independence in the meaning and structure sources of information. Caption

Interactive Writing and Shared Reading both focus on building up students' independence in the visual sources of information. Caption

Putting it all together for a preschooler. Students require opportunities to: work on visual sources of information listen and use talk to further their comprehension focus on the one-to-one correspondence between oral language and written language focus on re-reading texts

How can you better balance literacy in your classroom? Share with the group.