Emergent Literacy

Emergent literacy simply means on the verge of beginning to read ~ Getting ready.... 

Language is a necessary skill for all learners to pursue life's goals.  It is the foundation needed in the early years, continuing throughout the plight of life to become a productive member of society.  Without language skills, a young student is likely to run into road blocks, preventing potential learning.  Language is sustenance for growth in all curriculums.

Because preschool children are beginners, we will focus on letter recognition, sounds, rhyming, and writing skills.  Our language rich environment includes the printed word in many areas of the lab and daily time scheduled for language arts and interactive read alouds.  Abundant activities are provided to help the preschoolers develop skills needed for reading and writing.  These include assembling puzzles; matching shapes and colors; creating patterns with beads or blocks; categorizing objects according to shape, number or size; and dictating stories to the teachers.  These activities may not sound much like preparation for reading.  However, the necessary skills for reading and writing such as visual discrimination, listening, fine motor skills, and eye-hand coordination are deeply embedded in many of the lessons. 

• Read to your child every day!
• Reread favorite stories.
• Read it again!
• Let your child see you read - Give value to reading.
• Get involved with the literacy activities provided by the preschool:  Family Literacy Bags, Book It Club, Scholastic Club.
• Volunteer as a guest reader during story time.
• Point out symbolism and words in everyday life:  The grocery store, McDonalds, menues, street signs, etc...
• Talk about letters by name and sounds.
• Encourage your child to experiment with writing.  Don't worry that you may not be able to tell what it is supposed to be ~ this is all normal and will develop with time.
  

• Set aside sacred time to read to your child daily - make it special.
• Read with enthusiasm!  Use character voices and expression.
• Use your finger or the child's finger to follow under the words.
• Teach your child how to handle books properly.  Books are important!
• Discuss the pictures.  Ask your child to predict what might happen next.
• Talk about what words mean.  Memorizing and word calling is not necessarily reading.
• Let your child sit next to you or on your lap so that he/she may see the text as well as the pictures.