Over the next few weeks, every Tuesday, beginning November 4th and running through November 25th, I’ll be sharing articles on the “big four” of preschool literacy instruction. Whether working from a commercial program, creating a program of your own, or simply doing literacy activities with your children at home, this four part series will inform you as to the four major components of pre-reading that every preschool aged child needs in preparation for formal reading instruction. This falls true for both phonics based and whole language based programs. In this series, teachers, parents, and caregivers will find the information they need to create a well rounded and complete pre-reading program for the preschoolers in their care.
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What are the “big four” of preschool literacy instruction?
- print awareness
- oral language development
- alphabetic principle
- phonological awareness
Why are the “big four” important to preschool literacy institution?
Each post will explore how each component is specifically related to reading instruction, including it’s impact on reading success and how it fits into the overall scope of literacy instruction.
How can the “big four” be developed?
Each post will site several examples of how parents, caregivers and teachers can help a child develop these early literacy skills. Specific activities and behaviors will be sited for each component. These activities will require no preparation prior to execution. They are a well rounded list of behaviors and interactions with children that will gradually and naturally build these “big four” literacy skills.
What are some books that can help develop the “big four”?
Each component can be built and strengthened by reading to your child or students, so I will provide a list of picture books that support each component. These books have been carefully and thoughtfully selected based on my knowledge and expertise in early literacy, as well as my experience as an educator.
How can you extend your knowledge of the “big four”?
Each post will also have references specific to the targeted component so that you may continue your reading. These references will include other articles written by myself, Stay At Home Educator, as well as by experts in early childhood education.
What other products can help develop the “big four”?
Finally, I will recommend products and games that support the development of the “big four.” There are limitless games, books, and manipulatives that encourage and motivate children to explore the four major components of pre-reading instruction, thus further preparing them to learn how to read.
In closing…
I am excited to share this series with my readers. Please be sure to join me regularly via E-mail in the right sidebar, Facebook, Twitter @StayAtHomeEdu, and Pinterest so that you may stay informed of my most up to date posts. And, just as importantly, please feel free to comment and ask questions. I am usually very quick to respond.
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I am Sarah, an educator turned stay-at-home mama of five! I am the owner and creator of Stay At Home Educator, a website about intentional teaching and purposeful learning in the early childhood years. I’ve taught range of levels, including preschool and college, and a little bit of just about everything in between. Right now, my focus is teaching my children and running a preschool from my home. Credentials include: Bachelors in Art, Masters in Curriculum and Instruction
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