1. CHAPTER 13: Fostering the Emergence of Literacy
The Whole Child:
Developmental Education for the Early Years
Tenth Edition
Patricia Weissman
Joanne Hendrick

2. What is Appropriate Literacy in Early Childhood?
A Highly Structured Reading Program in Preschool Is Inappropriate
Understand What Families Want
Communicate with Families About Their Children’s Learning
Benefits of Play
Language Development Activities

3. What is Appropriate Literacy in Early Childhood?
A Highly Structured Reading Program in Preschool Is Inappropriate (cont.)
Foundations of Literacy
Communicate With Families About Their Child’s Foundational Literacy Learning
Use Documentation of Children’s Learning
Highly Developed in Reggio Emilia
Allows Us to Look at Children’s Thinking and Development

4. What Is the Difference Between Fostering Emergent Literacy and Teaching Children to Read and Write?
Most Early Childhood Programs Offer Emergent Literacy Activities Throughout the Day
Emerging Skills Such as Recognizing Letters or Looking at Books are the Foundation for Later Reading and Writing

5. What Is the Difference Between Fostering Emergent Literacy and Teaching Children to Read and Write?
Early Literacy is the Term Used For Very Young Children’s (2- to 3-year-olds) Attempts to “Read” or “Write” Without Understanding the Relationship Between Sound and Letters
Emergent Literacy Applies to Older Preschoolers (4- to 5-year-olds) Who Engage in Reading and Writing Activities, Understanding Sound to Letter Relationship

6. Some Fundamental Principles to Keep in Mind
Encourage Families to Read to the Children at Home
Teachers Should Make It Plain That They Value the Wonderful World of Books
Teachers Should Emphasize How Useful the Written Word Can Be

7. Even Very Young Children Can and Should Be Involved in Producing the Written Word
Writing on Their Own
Provide and Array of Materials
Mailboxes and Communication Center
Respect Children’s Efforts

8. Even Very Young Children Can and Should Be Involved in Producing the Written Word
Writing in the Primary Grades
Help children identify the sounds of letters and how the letters combine to make words.
Introduce new words and teach children methods for sounding out and spelling unfamiliar words.
Encourage children to share their writing with others—peers, school community, and family members.
Teach children to distinguish and write in different forms: poems, stories, reports, shopping lists, charts, and so forth.
Teach children how to proofread, revise, and edit their work.
Use appropriate terms and model them for children.

9. Even Very Young Children Can and Should Be Involved in Producing the Written Word
Having Someone Write for Them
Extend the Narrative with Open-Ended Questions
Have Children Revisit Their Work
Use Props

10. Suggestions for Presenting a Language-Rich Group-Time Experience
Include a Variety of Activities
Some Specific Suggestions About Materials to Include:
Do Include a Book and Poetry
Music and Fingerplays Are Important, Too
Auditory Training Should Also Be Provided
Group Time Is an Ideal Time to Provide Practice in Cognitive Skills
Group Time Should Provide Multiracial, Nonsexist Subject Matter

11. Suggestions for Presenting a Language-Rich Group-Time Experience
Management Suggestions to Help Group Time Go More Smoothly
It Is Always Wise to Plan More Activities Than You Are Likely to Use
Make Certain the Children Talk, Too
Make Certain the Material Is Interesting
Keep the Tempo of Group Time Upbeat

12. Suggestions for Presenting a Language-Rich Group-Time Experience
Management Suggestions to Help Group Time Go More Smoothly
Starting and Stopping
Undesirable Behavior
Try Breaking Into Smaller Groups