Literacy Practices

• Children are read to daily. Story time is fun. Stories are discussed.
• Teacher and children participate in storytelling.
• A variety of children’s books are accessible.
• Teachers expose children to the many books at their school and community libraries.
• Big books are used as they encourage children to read and talk together.
• Notes and newsletters are frequently sent home to parents.
• Children participate in making lists.
• Children participate in reading recipes when cooking with their teacher.
• Children participate in letter writing, sending invitations and cards to their parents and families.
• Paper and writing tools are routinely available to the children (e.g., writing center).
• Children’s scribbling, writing and artwork are displayed at the child’s viewing level.
• Teachers write what children dictate using print and symbol, and read together.
• Children’s names are on their work.
• Labeling: functional reading and writing is demonstrated in a variety of ways in the classroom (e.g., labeling cubbies with names; storage areas with contents).
• To prepare for reading, upper and lower case letters are used when labeling.
• The day’s schedule or other charts and lists used in the daily routine are displayed at child’s viewing level - using both pictures and words.
• Provide a calendar and thermometer for different types of reading.
• Dramatic play centers routinely have literacy props (e.g., kitchen has coupons, pads and pencils for list making, recipes and cookbooks.
• Classroom has a library or reading area with books, magazines, tapes, felt board stories, etc. It also has pillows or soft cushions which invite children to come and read. (Snakey)
• Books are displayed with covers facing out. (Jim Trelease web site)
• Five to eight books per child are displayed.
• Teachers help children learn how to treat books with respect. (Model)
• Computers are available for children’s use.
• Play areas have as much printed materials as the real areas they represent.
• Classroom has print everywhere you look.
• Reading becomes a part of every day.
• A classroom lending library is utilized to promote reading at home with parents.
• Utilizing a thematic approach produces more literacy behavior in children. (helps them accumulate prior knowledge)
• Teacher routinely models the use of literacy materials and makes frequent suggestions to the children regarding their use.
• Guided reading (small groups) are held every 2 to 3 days.
• Guided reading groups are changed often.
• Independent reading time is held every day for the entire class.
• Informal assessment is done on a regular basis so the teacher knows what skills need to be retaught.
• You are having fun teaching these little ones.