1: Introduction to Literacy Theory, Practices, and Resources
- Page ID
- 216622
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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.
- 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
- 1.1: NAEYC Position Statements
- This page outlines the NAEYC's emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices in early childhood education, advocating informed approaches that respect children's developmental needs and cultural contexts. It highlights position statements on equity and professionalism, promoting play-based learning and community support. Key guidelines include family engagement, developmental observation, and tailored curricula to enhance educational outcomes for young children.
- 1.2: Early Learning Standards
- This page discusses how early childhood educators apply early learning standards, like WMELS and the Head Start Framework, to guide teaching and evaluate child development. It highlights WMELS's focus on five key learning domains, especially language development, and emphasizes the importance of the Common Core and WIDA standards for supporting diverse learners. Familiarity with these frameworks is crucial for ensuring a smooth educational transition from preschool to higher grades.
- 1.3: Literacy Model and Theory Overview
- This page presents the Nested Literacy Model, highlighting the interconnectedness of language, reading, and writing in children's literacy development within supportive environments. It emphasizes discrete skills, rich interactions, and theoretical frameworks for effective literacy practices. The textbook aims to equip educators with strategies to create literacy-rich opportunities, featuring vignettes, reflective prompts, and resources to support teaching.
- 1.4: Constructivist Theories
- This page explains that constructivist theories highlight children's active role in knowledge construction through experiences, following staged development as per Piaget and Frith. Piaget's stages of cognitive development and Frith's literacy development stages illustrate children's progression from symbol recognition to understanding complex spelling patterns.
- 1.5: Sociocultural Theories
- This page emphasizes the cooperative nature of learning through sociocultural theories, notably Vygotsky's concepts of social engagement and the zone of proximal development (ZPD) with scaffolding support. It also discusses Marie Clay's emergent literacy theory, which highlights personalized learning experiences and the educator's role in literacy development. Together, these theories advocate for recognizing children's prior knowledge to improve their learning opportunities.
- 1.6: Ecological Theories
- This page explores ecological theories of human development, emphasizing the role of a child's environment, including family and culture, in their growth. Bronfenbrenner's framework outlines various systems impacting development, while Freire's focus on critical literacy underscores the need for understanding social contexts in education.
- 1.7: Language and Literacy Resources
- This page discusses the importance of web-based educational resources for teachers and parents, highlighting their role in enhancing learning environments and supporting literacy development. It mentions key websites such as Raising Readers and Reading Rockets, along with creative platforms like Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers.
- 1.8: Language and Literacy Assessment
- Wisconsin Act 20, enacted in 2023, seeks to improve literacy among students by requiring science-based early literacy instruction in schools. It includes funding for approved materials, bans ineffective teaching methods, and mandates more frequent reading assessments. Early grade students will undergo screenings, and those needing help will receive personal literacy plans.