Literacy

I use the High Scope way of teaching literacy. For example all my boxes and presses, the different play areas and most rooms are labelled with pictures and words (English and Irish). Please see the box for the High Scope Noticeboard on the right for a better understanding of the High Scope approach to reading.

I explain to the younger children that the lines on the labels are called 'letters' and 'words' and that people can learn to 'read' them. I tell them what is written on the labels so they can see the relationship to the contents of the box and the pictures next to the writing.

Of course, I also read books to them and eventually (when they put their hands over the text) I explain to them that I am reading the 'words' (pointing to them).

On top of this, the children will learn that their name can be 'written' and they usually remember the first letter so they can recognise their name. I have photos of the children up on the wall with their first names below them.

There are 8 Observation Items in the High Scope Preschool COR category 'Language and Literacy', which include everything from 'Listening to and understanding speech' to 'Writing' so I have plenty of opportunity to facilitate children's literacy skills.

Letterland

Moreover, I start introducing the 'Letterland' characters and songs very early on, i.e. before age 2.

All the children in my service are familiar with the letterland characters, the sounds they make, and the stories that go with them.

Older children (3+) are also familiar with the Letterland handwriting songs so when they start school they already have a head start.

Reading

I do the actual reading with school age children.