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1: Introduction to Literacy Theory, Practices, and Resources

  • Page ID
    216622
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    Overview

    Early childhood educators must stay informed about key guidelines, practices, and resources because the field of early childhood education is constantly changing and rapidly evolving. This chapter will introduce you to the foundational components guiding early literacy development and assessment of young children.

    You will discover NAEYC Position Statements, National and State Early Learning Standards, Language and Literacy Developmental Theory, and resources and assessments essential to support emergent readers and writers in their literacy development

    NAEYC Position Statements

    The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), provides professional guidance to early childhood professionals. NAEYC has several Position Statements offering evidence-based recommendations and principles to promote high-quality early childhood education. This section will help you summarize their significance and how they shape educational practices.

    National and State Early Learning Standards

    Early learning standards provide a common language and clear expectations for teachers, families, and policymakers to discuss and understand what children should know and be able to do at various developmental levels. Although standards will vary state by state they share common goals of ensuring children are prepared for future academic success. We will examine the Wisconsin State ELA standards, the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, and the WiDA Standards for Young English Learners.

    Language and Literacy Developmental Theory

    Early childhood educators must understand how children develop language and literacy skills to create effective learning environments and learning experiences. This chapter explores key language and literacy development theories, and their application to the early childhood classroom, and provides a framework to understand how children acquire early literacy skills.

    Literacy Resources and Assessments

    Early childhood educators must use high-quality resources and accurate assessments to provide effective literacy education to young children. This part of the chapter will share various literacy resources, including books, digital tools, and instructional materials, to support young children’s literacy development. Additionally, we will cover legislation about assessment in Wisconsin.

    Purpose and Goals

    This chapter intends to provide early childhood educators with an understanding of the critical components influencing literacy education in the early years. Educators can enhance their practice and highly support the literacy development of their young learners when they integrate NAEYC Position statements, align with State and National Early Learning Standards, apply developmental literacy theories, and use appropriate resources and assessments.

    Objectives
    • Summarize Position Statements from Professional Organizations Related to Early Literacy and Dual Language Learning
    • Summarize Standards Related to Language Development and Early Literacy
    • Summarize Key Concepts of Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Developmental Theory to Your Curriculum
    • Investigate Specific Resources Being Used in Your Community to Support Language and Literacy Learning
    • Investigate the Specific Strategies Being Used in Your Community to Support Dual Language Learners and Family Engagement
    • Investigate What Specific Assessment Tools are Being Used in Your Community to Support Language and Literacy Learning


    1: Introduction to Literacy Theory, Practices, and Resources is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vicki Tanck (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).

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