As a former kindergarten teacher, I share a heavy heart with many educators. The statistic is alarming: 66% of fourth graders in the US aren't reading proficiently. There are a lot of factors that lead to this alarmingly high number, but one sticks out above the rest...teachers in the past were not taught the proper way to teach children to read. And...I was one of them!
Just like countless other teachers across the nation, I wasn't equipped with the research and best practices proven by the science of reading during my teacher training, unknowingly contributing to this national reading crisis.
As more and more research has been revealed about the science of reading, research that proves that 95% of children are capable for learning to read following the science, it has become more apparent that the solution to ending the literacy crisis doesn't lie solely in revamping elementary reading instruction. We can begin building a strong literacy foundation much earlier, in the preschool years and even from birth!
Preschool teachers and parents are often left out of the science of reading conversation, yet they play a vital role. Building foundational literacy skills starts at birth, with simple activities such as reading, singing, and engaging in conversations (even when babies can't talk back)! This foundation continues to build as we expose young children to environmental print, the alphabet, and play with words through both intentional instruction and playful exploration. Just a few focused minutes a day can make a world of difference!
Let's dive into practical strategies and activities that can be easily integrated into the classroom and daily life, so that we can play a part in both ending the literacy crisis and empowering educators to become champions for early literacy!
What Exactly IS the Science of Reading?
The science of reading is a body of research that explains how children learn to read and the best practices for teaching literacy. It wasn't a sudden revelation, but rather the culmination of research and debate over many decades. It emphasizes the importance of systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It emphasizes the crucial link between spoken language and written words, as well as importance of a strong vocabulary and comprehension skills for reading success.
Above, you will see Scarbough's Reading Rope. This rope emphasizes the interconnectedness of skills needed and how they work together to create a strong foundation for reading success.
It is important to note that the Science of Reading is not a static set of rules, but an evolving body of knowledge. Research continues to explore the most effective ways to teach reading skills to all children.
WHY Does the Science of Reading Matter for Preschoolers?
The Science of Reading matters for preschoolers because it lays the foundation for strong literacy skills throughout their academic journey. Here is how:
Early Start, Big Impact: The preschool years are a critical time for brain development, especially in areas related to language and literacy. By focusing on the Science of Reading principles in preschool, we can capitalize on this window of opportunity.
Building Blocks of Reading: The Science of Reading emphasizes foundational skills like phonemic awareness (understanding sounds in words) and phonics (connecting sounds to letters). Beginning to expose children to these skills in preschool equips children with the tools they need to become rockstar readers in the future.
Closing the Achievement Gap: Research shows that a focus on the Science of Reading can benefit all children, regardless of background. By providing early and effective instruction based on these principles, we can help close the achievement gap and ensure ALL children have a strong foundation for reading success.
Confidence and Motivation: When children have the skills to understand letter sounds and begin engaging in print, they build confidence and motivation to learn to read! This early success fosters a love of reading that can last a lifetime.
Lifelong Learning: Strong literacy skills are essential for success in all areas of learning. By focusing on the Science of Reading in preschool, we're setting children up for success not just in reading but in all academic subjects.
Remember:
The Science of Reading doesn't mean turning preschool into a formal reading class. It's about incorporating engaging activities that help children develop the foundational skills they need for future reading success. At Moving Little Minds, we believe that we can MERGE purposeful instruction with play!
How We Can Foster Early Literacy Skills with Preschoolers
The best part about laying a strong literacy foundation can be accomplished through just a LITTLE intentional instruction and A LOT of play! By fostering crucial literacy skills from ages 0-6, then expanding on these skill through play, we can prepare children for success beyond the preschool walls!
Download the guide below, which focused offers science of reading focused activities for children from birth to age 6. Embracing early literacy not only sets the stage for a lifetime of learning and literacy but also has the potential to change the future of America. Join us in this exciting journey to support our youngest learners and help them thrive from the start!
Download the Activities!
Looking for a Curriculum that Supports the Science of Reading? Check out Moving Little Minds Literacy Curriculums!
Learn how we teach alphabetic knowledge, phonological awareness, and pre-writing skills through instruction and play!
Take the Guesswork Out of Research-Based Learning with the 100 Days of Preschool Literacy Activities Pad!
Build beginning literacy skills with easy, engaging activities that can be completed in just a few minutes of your day! Designed by a preschool literacy teacher with over 20 years in the education field, these activities are tried and true! Perfect for at-home learning or classroom warm-ups and transitions!
Simply complete an activity, pull off a page, and celebrate.
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We believe that every child deserves a bright future, and this begins with a strong foundation in early literacy skills. At Moving Little Minds, we are dedicated to providing research-based literacy activities in fun and engaging ways! By merging instruction with play, we ensure that children are reaching their full potential and embark on their educational journey well-prepared for the future! Let's build those KEY emergent literacy skills together.
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