1. CHAPTER 13 Fostering the emergence of literacy

2. A Highly Structured Reading Program in Preschool is Inappropriate Understand what family want Communicate with families about their children’s learning – explain appropriate way of learning Benefits of play Language development activities Foundations of Literacy Use documentation of children’s learning

3. What is the Difference Between Fostering Emergent Literacy and Teaching Children to Read and Write? Emergent literacy means laying foundation to build literacy skills: Establish a language-rich atmosphere Create a print-rich environment Provide experiences that inspire children to talk Provide pressure-free opportunities to experiment with writing and reading Involve the children’s families in literacy development activities

4. Curriculum Activities that Support Children’s Learning to Read and Write in the Primary Grades Promote listening: provide headphones to listen to audio books; ask children to conduct interviews and then have them summarize to others; play listening games; explain how things work Promote reading: read daily to the children; independent reading practice; use a variety of reading sources (newspaper, magazines..); send reading materials home to read with the parents Value writing: provide a wide range of materials for writing; use writing to communicate with others; have children to make labels and signs; incorporate writing into other activities; create books, maps, newsletters

5. Some Fundamental Principles to Keep in Mind Encourage families to read to the children at home Selection of good books Emphasize the importance of written word Producing the written words: Writing on their own Dictating (having someone to write for them) Extend the narrative with open-ended questions Have children revisit their work Use props

6. Suggestions for Presenting a Language-Rich Group Time Experience Include a variety of activities Include a book and poetry Include music and fingerplays Provide practice in cognitive skills Provide multicultural, nonsexist subject matter

7. Management Suggestions to Help Group Time Go More Smoothly It is always wise to plan more activities than you are likely to use Make certain the children talk too Make certain the materials is interesting Keep the tempo of group time upbeat Some advice about starting and stopping: start as soon as children begin to gather; start with familiar song; create a routine What to do about undesirable behavior: group should be small; time should be short; balance between teacher- dominated activities and conversation and discussions