Creating an Environment that Supports Emergent Literacy

Although we often assiciate school with beginning reading and emerging literacy skills, the preschool years are when a large amount of literacy development occurs. It is a critical time for emergent literacy - motivation is high, children's brains are developing, and there are many ways to promote literacy. In his book Reading Instruction that Works: A Case for Balanced Teaching Michael Pressley outlines four ways that parents can create an environment that supports literacy. I have listed these and included practical examples.

1) Experiences with family - exposing your child to new places and activities introduces them to new words, new feelings, new experiences. They are able to build their vocabulary and expand their background knowledge so that when they are reading they recognize words and are able to make connections to the text, which aides in their comprehension. Take children to a zoo, a parade, the grocery store, a farm, a creek, your backyard, a soccer game. Experiences as toddlers will actually help them later on when they are reading!

2) Provide an environment with literacy materials easily accessible - stock your bookshelves of age-approriate books of all genres. Put magnetic letters on your fridge. Include alphabet puzzles in your child's toy collection. Allow your child to use crayons, markers, sidewalk chalk. Write a letter to grandma so that your child can see writing take place.

3) Children need to see adults have a positive view of literacy - read in front of your child. Show them that you like reading. Studies have correlated reading success with children seeing their parents read. They learn through imitation. So, read the paper or a novel in front of your child.

4) Share in experiences with your child. Read to them, invite them to read to you (even if they can't really read yet!), talk about the book you are reading, do alphabet puzzles, write together. Making reading and writing enjoyable for them now will help them to become lifetime lovers of literacy.