Setting the Stage for Early Literacy by Amy Mascott and Allison Mcdonald

                                                                                                                                                                              

House keeping notes:

Every child learns differently. Every child has different needs, and every child has different abilities. 

yes! When children play, they play at their highest level of ability. We should have big chunks of time to let students play. 

Creating a playful, literacy-rich environment:

• put spotlight on print and names
• turn letters into toys
• include books/print in all areas
• have conversations with your students
• use your students words in print 

Teaching students how books work:

• Model
• teach
• let students teach you
• give students time to practice

Making read-alouds work:

• find the right books
• find the right time to read as a group(could be during meal time)
• Make reading interactive
• use dialogic reading 

Whole group activities:

• daily welcome routine and circle time
• question of the day
• weather report
• song circles
• sharing time

Free choice fun:

• letter shape sensory bottle
• magnetic letter sorting
• letter cookie cutters with play dough 

As the two teachers described, early literacy teaching demands us being able to be always active in the classroom, engaging kids in activities, and let them discover for themselves. The teacher should encourage conversation, allowing students to express their ideas, and above all understand the students needs.