Literacy for Young Children: A Guide for Early Childhood Educators

Abstract

Acknowledgments About the Authors Introduction: Why Early Literacy? Early Reading First Developmentally Appropriate Practice Overview of This Book Chapter 1. Children's Development and Literacy Learning How Children Develop and Learn Child Development: The Foundation for Literacy Introducing Rebecca, Juan, Michael, and Annie Foundations for Learning to Read Supportive Classroom Environments Summary Chapter 2. Language Development and Diversity Role of Oral Language in Literacy Development What Does Research Say About How Children Acquire Language? Benchmarks of Oral Language Development for Preschool Children Assessing Oral Language Development Research-Based Instructional Strategies Supporting Oral Language Development Language Diversity Summary Chapter 3. Phonological Awareness Development in Preschool Children What Is Phonological Awareness and What Is Its Role in Literacy Development? What does Research Say About How Children Acquire Phonological Awareness? Indicators of Children's Development of Phonological Awareness Assessing Phonological Awareness Research-Based Instructional Strategies Supporting Phonological Awareness Addressing Diversity Summary Chapter 4. Alphabetic Principle What Is the Alphabetic Principle and What is Its Role in Literacy Development? What Does Research Tell Us About the Alphabetic Principle? Assessing the Alphabetic Principle Research-Based Instructional Strategies Supporting Understanding of the Alphabetic Principle Addressing Diversity Summary Chapter 5. Writing How Are Reading and Writing Connected in Early Literacy Development? What Does Research Say About Emergent Writing Development? Assessing Writing Research-Based Instructional Strategies to Support Emergent Writing Addressing Diversity Summary Chapter 6. Comprehension: Making Meaning What Is Comprehension? What Helps Children Comprehend? Assessing Comprehension Research-Based Instructional Strategies Addressing Diversity Summary Chapter 7. Sharing Books With Children The Importance of Book Sharing for Children's Early Literacy Development What Does Research Say About Storybook Reading With Children? Selecting High-Quality Children's Literature Developing Classroom Libraries Research-Based Instructional Strategies for Sharing Books With Children Addressing Diversity Summary Chapter 8. Integrating Literacy Across the Curriculum Integrated Curriculum Planning an Integrated Unit Summary Chapter 9. Literacy in the Real World Language and Literacy in Communities Infusing Home and Community Literacy in the Classroom Summary Chapter 10. Helping Parents Facilitate Children's Literacy at Home Why Parents Become Involved Parental Beliefs Types of Parental Involvement Why Parental Involvement? Summary Chapter 11. Bringing It All Together Preschool Programs Make a Difference The Physical Environment The Interactional Environment Assessing Your Literacy and Language Environment Planning Whole and Half Day Programs Summary References Children's Books Referenced Additional Resources for Teachers Helpful Websites References Index