The Stages of Language & Literacy Development By Cherese Bracey

Emergent Literacy Reading to children in infancy stage is very important to foster a healthy language development. Children start to learn language from the day they are born. As they grow and develop, their speech and language skills become increasingly more complex. They learn to understand and use language to express their ideas, thoughts, and feelings, and to communicate with others. During early speech and language development, children learn skills that are important to the development of literacy [reading and writing.] This stage begins at birth and continues throughout the early childhood years.

First Words The first word a child speaks is usually an object or familiar person. A toddler can pronounce single words easily. The environment around a child has an effect on word growth. For this reason, it is important to build language enriched experiences that will set the foundation for successful learning in later years. They often use symbolic gesturing signs and these gestures have multiple meanings that are unique to every child.

First Sentences & Conversations At 18 months a child has a 50 word vocabulary. At 36 months a child has a vocabulary of 1000 words. 2 word sentences usually contain pivot words that are used often. They are stable and fixed in meaning. Examples are: All gone, night, night, or bye, bye. Grammar rules become apparent and they may not use subjects in their sentences. During conversations, a child is learning the following: how to do vocal turn taking. Establishes joint attention through back and forth looking. Making gestures, words, listening and seems to get satisfaction from his/her efforts when successful.

Early Preschoolers Are 2-3yrs old. Have continued rapid speech growth. Speak 6-10 words per day. They increase social play. Have still gestures. Have non-verbal communication.

Receptive Vocabulary are orally spoken words the child understands. Children in this stage have an increase in vocabulary growth. Receptive Vocabulary are orally spoken words the child understands. Expressive Vocabulary Have orally spoken words child uses to express himself. Talks primarily about himself, using frequent nouns or short possessives. Have brief conversation in short sentences. Talks over the speech of others. Exhibits emotion in speech and will begin to state cause and effect.

Older Preschoolers Are 4 years old to early Five’s. They have longer sentences 4 words and up. Their mental categories mature. Have increase in articulation ability. Have real two-sided conversations. Friendships are more stable. They engage in verbal planning. Are at an age where they begin to test. They like using words that are wrong.

Children at this level realize that words can be powerful and will use speech to get their way. 75% of their articulation is correct and have a vocabulary of more than 1500 words. They develop humor and discuss word meanings with friends. They often talk about what one is doing.

During 2nd & 3rd grade children can research topics and do reports The early childhood years are very crucial years to learning development. A healthy development through these years set the foundation for the type of individuals children will grow to become, cognitively, socially, physically, and emotionally. Children who are older five’s to age 8 years old are very advanced. During 2nd & 3rd grade children can research topics and do reports on their own. They also engage in Genre Studies which are: Instructional writing Stories Fairytales/Fiction/Non Fiction Poetry Letter Writing

Teaching points for Language & Literacy Being the kind of teacher that promotes language and literacy means: Becoming a responsive opportunist. Using teachable moments to teach a lesson. Establishing and maintaining a warm supportive classroom with equality respect and trust. Developing reciprocal relationships with student. Have authentic dialogue. Expectations for child’s success. Offering choices. Professionally handling children’s language errors. Creating a lively full of talk classroom.

Basic Teacher Functions Model Provider Inter Actor Teachers should model appropriate language around children. They should provide developmentally appropriate experiences, curriculum activities and materials for abundant play and exploration. As an inter actor, they should build a child’s sense of self worth, initiate conversation, and be an accepting focused listener.

A Balanced Literacy Block An effective literacy center will consist of the following: Shared Reading Independent Reading Writing>Interactive/Independent Guided Reading Gradual Release of Responsibility.

Why use Storytelling? Storytelling Tips: Because reading is fun! It sparks the imagination and is an excellent way to share teacher experience and creativity. Reading books to children: Highlights plot characters and structure Provides sharing of cultural wisdom Promotes oral, listening, and audience skills. Allows mental image formation Storytelling Tips: When reading to children remember to use animation, humor, and musicality in your voice to increase attentiveness.

Story time is an excellent language activity that can extend into other areas of learning. Teachers who plan extended enrichment activities will promote a successful learning experience that will enhance concrete learning.