Importance Of Early Literacy

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Part A: Synthesis of Key Ideas (500 words) - 561 words

Early literacy refers to young preschool children’s language arts behaviours, concepts and skills that precede learning to read and write and developing a larger body of literacy knowledge at later ages (Machado, 2016).

Early literacy allows children to develop essential skills and knowledge through purposeful experiences. Developing a rich and conceptual language base, broad and deep vocabulary, verbal reasoning abilities and code-related skills are some of the many skills that children can acquire through early literacy (Neuman & Roskos, 2005). Furthermore, early literacy can cultivate children’s interest in language arts enjoyment of songs, poems, rhymes and dramatic play and foster their intrinsic motivation to learn language and literacy (Roskos, Christie & Richgels, 2003, pp. 52-60). Therefore, early literacy is important in the early childhood context as it helps children acquire skills in coordination and interaction with meaningful experiences.

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Storybook reading, sound activities and letter games can help to enhance children’s early literacy development in a meaningful and enjoyable manner. For example, teachers can conduct phonological awareness activities such rhyming games, alliteration and sound matching to increase children’s awareness of the sounds of language (Roskos et. al., 2003). Furthermore, ensuring that there is a library corner stocked with good books can encourage children to try to read, hence promoting reading (Roskos et. al., 2003). There are many strategies that teachers can practice to promote early literacy skills such as recognition and awareness of sounds and letters. Teachers can link these strategies with play so as to create more language-rich environments where children can practice and demonstrate language skills (Riley-Ayers,

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