In the preschool setting, it is important for teachers to create a literacy rich environment in order to prepare children for their first endeavors with reading. Here are a few things that can help create this literary environment with some creation tips for new teachers.
Use Labels and Signs to Create Literacy Rich Environment
Pre-readers can become familiar with a number of early reading skills through some simple labels and signs throughout the classroom. According to the Access Center on Literacy Rich Environments, through an awareness of print, students can develop early phonemic awareness skills, leading eventually to word reading.
Examples of using labels and signs in the classroom include some of the following ideas:
- Use a stop sign at the door where students are to stop and lineup.
- Use signs with a word and picture to indicate proper behavior in various parts of the classroom. For example, a sign hung in the library that says quiet with a finger over a mouth.
- Add labels to common areas on the classroom with the proper word: window, desk, chair, etc.
Tips for new teachers to create these literacy aspects in a classroom:
- Print and laminate common signs for use in the classroom.
- Print and laminate center signs for students to connect words and the pictures with the learning in each center.
- Print out bold words (in lower case unless the words are proper nouns) on plain paper for classroom labels. Cut and paste onto index cards. Laminate for durability and affix the labels to the various items in the classroom at the student’s eye level whenever possible.
Book and Alphabet Games Imperative to an Early Literacy Classroom
Every classroom, regardless of grade level, should have a classroom library for students to peruse. This is especially important in a preschool classroom where the more exposure a child has to language and print, the more familiar the child will be with the written language as reading skills develop.
Likewise, children should have opportunity to play with and manipulate the individual letters of the alphabet during play. These games can be directed at phonemic awareness and learning letter names and sounds, but done in age-appropriate play.
Examples of incorporating books and alphabet games into a classroom:
- Include various picture books and early elementary books in the classroom library.
- Create a place for students to sit comfortably and read or look at books.
- Create independent reading time each day.
- Use magnetic letters for students to manipulate and display early words.
- Use alphabet games in a literacy center and ensure all children have opportunities to play each day.
Tips for new teachers to create these literacy aspects in a classroom:
- For cheap books, shop at yard sales and consignment stores. Likewise, sign up for your local freecycle group to watch for free children’s books.
- Yard sales and freecycle are also good ways to find low-cost or free pillows and child-size chairs for a comfortable library sitting area in the classroom.
- To make your own magnetic alphabet letters, print and laminate the letters in bright colors. Cut out the letters and affix a small piece of magnetic adhesive.
- Use a cookie sheet or purchase magnetic paint from the local hardware store to create a place for students to easily reach and manipulate letters.
- Join a variety of preschool oriented yahoo groups to find ideas for alphabet games or watch for reduced price Leap-Frog alphabet games.
When focusing on literacy in the preschool classroom it is important to also incorporate books, early reading skills and even dictation into the curriculum. This allows students to be introduced to the written language from a variety of methods throughout the day as a part of a strategy to teach children how to read.
Related Information: How to Teach the Letters of the Alphabet
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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