ENCOURAGING YOUNG READERS
If we want to teach children to read and write we need to make learning meaningful for children. Recent research on the brain has demonstrated that this is the best way for children to make the connections that are needed for learning to take place. Immersing children in reading and writing in developmentally appropriate ways helps them to learn to read and write and develop a love of reading and writing.
Provide a Print-Rich Environment
Hang up posters and signs with pictures and writing
Words to favorite songs
Posters that change with the theme in the Dramatic Play Area
Favorite Poems (can store on hangers)
Blueprints, maps, bus schedules, etc. in the Block area
Take turns labeling something around the room each day
"Read the Room" with small groups
Have scavenger hunts for letters around the room
Have a special "Wear a Message" day, then make a graph showing how many
wore words on their shirts, caps, shoes, etc.
Have children bring a cereal box from home to make into a mailbox - then use these in a classroom post office
Make Menus for the Dramatic Play area
Quality Reading Material Available for the Children
Inviting Reading Area with pillows, bean bag chairs, book racks to display books
Big Books
Good Trade Books, including a basket of easy to read books for home check-out