1.7: Language and Literacy Resources
- Page ID
- 216636
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\(\newcommand{\avec}{\mathbf a}\) \(\newcommand{\bvec}{\mathbf b}\) \(\newcommand{\cvec}{\mathbf c}\) \(\newcommand{\dvec}{\mathbf d}\) \(\newcommand{\dtil}{\widetilde{\mathbf d}}\) \(\newcommand{\evec}{\mathbf e}\) \(\newcommand{\fvec}{\mathbf f}\) \(\newcommand{\nvec}{\mathbf n}\) \(\newcommand{\pvec}{\mathbf p}\) \(\newcommand{\qvec}{\mathbf q}\) \(\newcommand{\svec}{\mathbf s}\) \(\newcommand{\tvec}{\mathbf t}\) \(\newcommand{\uvec}{\mathbf u}\) \(\newcommand{\vvec}{\mathbf v}\) \(\newcommand{\wvec}{\mathbf w}\) \(\newcommand{\xvec}{\mathbf x}\) \(\newcommand{\yvec}{\mathbf y}\) \(\newcommand{\zvec}{\mathbf z}\) \(\newcommand{\rvec}{\mathbf r}\) \(\newcommand{\mvec}{\mathbf m}\) \(\newcommand{\zerovec}{\mathbf 0}\) \(\newcommand{\onevec}{\mathbf 1}\) \(\newcommand{\real}{\mathbb R}\) \(\newcommand{\twovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\ctwovec}[2]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\threevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cthreevec}[3]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfourvec}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\fivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{r}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\cfivevec}[5]{\left[\begin{array}{c}#1 \\ #2 \\ #3 \\ #4 \\ #5 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\mattwo}[4]{\left[\begin{array}{rr}#1 \amp #2 \\ #3 \amp #4 \\ \end{array}\right]}\) \(\newcommand{\laspan}[1]{\text{Span}\{#1\}}\) \(\newcommand{\bcal}{\cal B}\) \(\newcommand{\ccal}{\cal C}\) \(\newcommand{\scal}{\cal S}\) \(\newcommand{\wcal}{\cal W}\) \(\newcommand{\ecal}{\cal E}\) \(\newcommand{\coords}[2]{\left\{#1\right\}_{#2}}\) \(\newcommand{\gray}[1]{\color{gray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\lgray}[1]{\color{lightgray}{#1}}\) \(\newcommand{\rank}{\operatorname{rank}}\) \(\newcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\col}{\text{Col}}\) \(\renewcommand{\row}{\text{Row}}\) \(\newcommand{\nul}{\text{Nul}}\) \(\newcommand{\var}{\text{Var}}\) \(\newcommand{\corr}{\text{corr}}\) \(\newcommand{\len}[1]{\left|#1\right|}\) \(\newcommand{\bbar}{\overline{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bhat}{\widehat{\bvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\bperp}{\bvec^\perp}\) \(\newcommand{\xhat}{\widehat{\xvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\vhat}{\widehat{\vvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\uhat}{\widehat{\uvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\what}{\widehat{\wvec}}\) \(\newcommand{\Sighat}{\widehat{\Sigma}}\) \(\newcommand{\lt}{<}\) \(\newcommand{\gt}{>}\) \(\newcommand{\amp}{&}\) \(\definecolor{fillinmathshade}{gray}{0.9}\)There are many language and literacy resources available to help educators inform their teaching, engage with families, and create effective learning environments, etc. Learning standards and curriculum along with web-based resources can be valuable resources to teachers.
Learning Standards
You may be familiar with learning standards such as the:
- Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards
- Common Core State Standards, or
- WIDA English Language Development Standards
Learning standards are a valuable resource to teachers for several reasons.
1. Guide Curriculum Development
Learning standards provide a framework for what children should know and be able to do at various stages of their development, helping teachers develop their curriculum and learning experiences to ensure they are meeting the developmental needs of their students.
2. Ensure Consistency
Standards provide a consistent set of expectations for children's development and learning across different classrooms and settings. Having consistency ensures that all children, regardless of their background or where they are receiving education and care, have access to high-quality education.
3. Assess and Monitor Progress
Teachers may assess and monitor children's progress by using learning standards as a benchmark. When teachers compare a child's performance to the standards, teachers can identify areas where a child may need additional support or added enrichment.
4. Inform Instruction
Standards inform teachers about the key skills and knowledge children should develop. Using standards, teachers can target their instruction to foster development in all domains of learning.
5. Support Professional Development
Learning standards can support professional development. By understanding and implementing these standards, teachers can improve their instructional practices and stay up-to-date with best practices in education.
6. Engage Families
Standards can help teachers communicate with families about their child's development and learning. Standards provide a common language and set of expectations which help teachers and families to discuss a child's progress and how to support learning at home.
7. Promote Equity
Standards set clear, high expectations for children that promote educational equity, ensuring all children, regardless of background, have the opportunity to develop the skills they need to succeed in school and beyond.
8. Facilitate Transition to Kindergarten
Early learning standards such as WMELS, help align preschool education with kindergarten expectations, making the transitions smoother for children. Early learning standards help prepare children for the next steps in their education.
In summary, standards provide a roadmap for high-quality education and ensure that all children have the opportunity to thrive. Standards are a critical resource for all teachers.
Adapted from OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
The standards we have reviewed are state or national standards.
Your program and local school district may follow these exactly or the district may have written their own based on these state and national standards.
- Think about the learning standards you are currently using. How do you use them to support learning, development, and the well-being of the children in your program?
- You may wish to contact your local school district. Find out what early learning standards they are using to guide their literacy instruction. How do the standards they use align with the early learning standards used in your program?
Curriculum
What is Curriculum?
Curriculum is the academic content that is taught in a center or school. Curriculum also serves as a language and literacy resource. There are many different types of curricula used in schools and centers, which can be purchased from various online websites and curriculum publishers.
Curriculum is a vital resource for teachers in several ways:
1. Provides Structure and Organization
A well-defined curriculum gives teachers a structured framework to follow, outlining what to teach and when to teach it. This organization helps ensure that all necessary content is covered in a logical and sequential manner.
2. Guides Instruction
The curriculum provides specific learning objectives and goals that guide teachers in their instructional planning. This helps them focus their lessons on key concepts and skills students need to learn.
3. Ensures Consistency and Continuity
A standardized curriculum ensures that all students receive the same quality of education, regardless of their classroom or teacher. This consistency is especially important for maintaining educational equity across different schools and districts.
4. Supporting Assessment
Curriculum outlines the expected learning outcomes, which teachers can use to develop assessments. These assessments help teachers measure student progress and identify areas where students may need additional support.
5. Facilitating Differentiation
A comprehensive curriculum often includes a variety of instructional strategies and resources that teachers can use to differentiate their instruction. This allows teachers to meet the diverse needs of their students by providing tailored support and challenges.
6. Providing Resources and Materials
Curriculum often comes with a variety of teaching resources and materials, such as lesson plans, activities, textbooks, and multimedia resources. These materials save teachers time in planning and preparation, allowing them to focus more on instruction.
7. Aligning with Standards
Curriculum is typically aligned with state or national educational standards, ensuring that the instruction meets the required educational benchmarks. This alignment helps teachers prepare students for standardized tests and future academic success.
8. Supporting Professional Development
Curriculum can serve as a basis for professional development, helping teachers stay informed about best practices and new educational strategies. Teachers can use the curriculum to reflect on their teaching practices and seek opportunities for growth and improvement.
9. Engaging Families
A well-defined curriculum helps teachers communicate with families about what their children are learning and how they can support their education at home. It provides a clear outline of the learning objectives and expectations for students.
10. Promoting Reflective Practice
Curriculum encourages teachers to reflect on their teaching practices, assess the effectiveness of their instruction, and make necessary adjustments. This reflective practice helps improve the quality of teaching and learning in the classroom.
In summary, curriculum serves as a comprehensive guide for teachers, providing structure, resources, and support to enhance their instructional practices and ensure student success.
Adapted from OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
- Now, consider the curriculum you have encountered or used yourself. If you are not currently teaching in a classroom, think back to the curriculum used when you were in preschool or kindergarten. How did it align with NAEYC's recommendations in their position statements for Developmentally Appropriate Practice and Curriculum and Assessment? If and when you have the opportunity to review and select a curriculum for your school or center, it is important to consider recommendations from organizations such as NAEYC.
- You may wish to contact your local school district to find out what type of curriculum they use for early language and literacy learning. How does it align with early learning standards such as WMELS?
- Visit the Head Start--Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center. Here you may view the many different types of curriculum available Home-Based, Infant and Toddler, Preschool, and Family Child Care programs.
Web-Based Sources
Web-based sources are a valuable resource for teachers in numerous ways:
1. Access to Up-to-Date Information
Web-based sources provide teachers access to the latest research, educational trends, and current events. This ensures teachers have the most recent information to inform their teaching practices.
2. Diverse Learning Materials
Online resources include a wide range of materials such as videos, interactive simulations, lesson plans, and educational games. These resources cater to different learning styles and can make lessons more engaging and interactive.
3. Professional Development
Teachers can access online courses, webinars, and professional development communities. These resources help teachers stay current with best practices, new teaching strategies, and subject matter expertise.
4. Collaboration and Networking
Web-based platforms allow teachers to connect with colleagues, join professional learning communities, and participate in forums and discussion groups. This collaboration can lead to the sharing of ideas, resources, and support. There are many groups for preschool teachers on apps such as Facebook where teachers share wonderful ideas and advice.
5. Supplementing Curriculum
Online resources can supplement the existing curriculum by providing additional information, activities, and tools that enhance learning. Teachers can find materials that align with their lesson plans and address specific learning needs.
6. Access to Educational Tools
There are many web-based tools available for creating presentations, assessments, interactive lessons, and other educational content. These tools can help teachers design more effective and engaging lessons.
7. Student Engagement
Web-based resources can be used to engage students in their learning. Interactive websites, educational apps, and online projects can motivate students and provide them with a variety of ways to explore and understand content.
8. Differentiation and Personalization
Teachers can find resources that allow them to differentiate instruction to meet the diverse needs of their students. Online platforms often offer personalized learning paths, adaptive assessments, and resources tailored to different skill levels.
9. Global Perspectives
The internet provides access to a wide array of perspectives and cultures, allowing teachers to introduce global viewpoints and diverse content into their lessons. This can help students develop a broader understanding of the world.
10. Time Efficiency
Web-based sources often save teachers time by providing ready-made lesson plans, worksheets, and activities. This allows teachers to spend more time focusing on instruction and less time on preparation. Try sites like Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers. (Although this is a paid site, there are many free resources available to you on this site as well.)
11. Resource Sharing
Teachers can easily share web-based resources with students and parents through classroom websites, email, or learning management systems. This enhances communication and ensures that all stakeholders have access to the same information. You can try sites like SeeSaw or Google Classroom.
12. Assessment and Feedback
Many online platforms offer tools for creating assessments and providing instant feedback. These tools can help teachers monitor student progress and adjust their instruction based on real-time data.
In summary, web-based sources provide teachers with a wealth of resources, tools, and opportunities to enhance their teaching, engage students, and improve learning outcomes.
Adapted from OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT [Large language model]. https://chatgpt.com
Literacy Resources
There are many resources available to teachers. Some resources help teachers learn about literacy and others help parents learn how they can support their children as they develop literacy skills. Some websites to explore are:
Other Excellent Sites are:
Idea Sharing Sites
Websites like Pinterest and Teachers Pay Teachers can also be a great way to find ideas for language and literacy experiences in your classroom. The pictures and ideas on these sites can spark creativity for what to try and use with your students. Often there are links to free printable materials. Teachers Pay Teachers is a pay site; however they do have many free materials available.