Teacher's that work with preschoolers! I need your help?

Question

How would you explain that it is important for your program to provide experiences with all of the gateways to literacy?

Imagine that you are meeting with a parent and you need to describe how you support early literacy.

Answer 1

With Montessori, we have certain "sensitive periods" that is a prime opportunity for children to learn certain skills.  The ages of birth - 6, there is a sensitive period for language.  I would approach it from that standpoint.  If the parent really does not understand, I would bring in some concept of brain development and how the brain is developing at this age.

Answer 2

I coach preschool teachers in early literacy.

I encourage them and model for them how to provide experiences in

*oral language through poems, songs, finger plays, one on one communication, modeling grammatically correct sentences, centers with props to encourage communication among children, and social language at meal time;

*written language through dictation, writing their names, and ample experiences with early writing.

*phonological awareness and phonemic awareness through letter charts and songs, and whole and small group activities.

*alphabet recognition through the use of word walls, name recognition, charts, poems, and songs.

*book knowledge and appreciation through read alouds, learning the parts of the book, learning the jobs of the author and illustrator, questioning skills for comprehension, and props to extend their knowledge.

Answer 3

I teach public school Kindergarten. We incorporate the 4 types of reading and writing into every lesson, everyday.

Reading:

Read Aloud-reading a book out loud to the class

Shared reading-reading a "shared text"(chart, big book) aloud with the class and allowing them to read aloud with you on the parts they can

Guided Reading-Most important, you are guiding them through reading a book while teaching strategies to help them become independent readers

Independent reading-reading a known text by themselves

Writing:

Shared Writing-You hold the pen and write all the words, but they may help you "sound out" words. You are modeling writing

Interactive Writing-You and the child "share" the pen. You can write words, but if you get to a word they should know, they can come up and write it, etc.

Independent Writing-writing a piece individually with no assistance

Guided Writing/Writers' Workshop-they are writing individually but you conference with them and focus on one teaching point

We integrate science and social studies into these areas and that is our day.