Reflection On Literacy And The Youngest Learner

Introduction
In reflecting on the book, Literacy and the youngest learner: Best practices for educators of children from birth to 5, the author of this reflection will discuss the importance of a literacy-rich environment focusing on arrangement of the classroom, integrating literacy throughout the day, and the home and school connection. The literacy-rich environment promotes exploration of, and interaction with text, encouraging development of literacy skills (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). Weaving literacy throughout the day allows children to make connections and makes literacy meaningful (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). The literacy-rich environment should extend outside of school and into the home to facilitate optimal skills development …show more content…
Texts can also be utilized to manage transitions (Bennett-Armistead, et al., 2005). The use of a sign-in sheet can build writing skills and prepare the environment for literacy-rich experiences (Bennett-Armistead, et al., 2005). The sign-in sheets can also serve as a record of the child’s writing progress (Bennett-Armistead, et al., 2005). To increase interaction with text, expectations and limitations can be put in written form (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). Signs should be displayed to inform children of how many are allowed in each activity area (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). Signs for health and safety can be created using words and symbols of which children will eventually associate the symbols with the message (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). Letter-sound activities can be incorporated into lining up routines (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). During outdoor play literacy activities or singing activities can be included to develop phonological awareness skills (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). Read alouds can be conducted outside, and books can be read that relate to what children see outside (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). This activity can create a connection between print and the …show more content…
Children’s oral language development, and eventually literacy development is directly correlated with how families talk with them (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). It is the responsibility of educators to educate families about literacy and the importance of establishing a literacy-rich environment in their home. (Armistead, et al, 2005). Teachers should offer support and send home activities and material for parents to read to their children (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). The classroom library center can be shared by family members by establishing a lending program (Bennett-Armistead, et al, 2005). This program can be particularly beneficial to children and families with limited resources to access or purchase books (Bennett-Armistead, et al,