Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Task 1: Communicate with and Involve Parents and Caregivers

Guideline: Parents' and caregivers' involvement with their children's education has been demonstrated to be an important factor in improving student academic achievement. Improving early literacy requires educators to work with parents and caregivers. In doing so, parents and caregivers need to ask how they can help their children, while educators need to reach out to parents and caregivers offering ideas on how they can be involved.

resources

CHECKLISTS

Providing a Literacy-Rich Home Environment

This link to the Reading is Fundamental website provides a list of suggested ways to provided for a literacy-rich home environment. Parents and caregivers of early learners may the find the list helpful. Educators of early learners may find it a useful list to share with parents and family caregivers.

PRACTICAL TIPS

Literacy Development Begins at Home, With a Literate Home Environment

This article at the Reading is Fundamental website explains the importance of a literate home environment to literacy development. The article offers suggestions on ways to enhance a literate home environment. Parents of family caregivers of early learners may find its content helpful. Educators of early learners may find this article useful to share with parents and family caregivers.

Working with Latino Parents in Child Care and Other Settings

This North Carolina Cooperative Extensive Service brief provides insights on ways educators of early learners can work with parents of Latino students.

REFERENCES

Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters

This link to the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count special report explores why achieving reading literacy by third grade is important. Educators of early learners may find it useful when discussing language and literacy development with parents, educators, policy makers, and community leaders.

Information for Early Childhood Educators

This link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website provides early childhood educators information on the Center's "Learn the Signs Act Early" campaign. This website provides educators resources to help them inform parents about the full range of child development.

Now for Later

This link to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's Now for Later website promoting the importance of early learning. As noted at the Now for Later website, the initiative's purpose "is to help raise awareness among parents, professionals and community leaders of the importance of school readiness, the need for quality early learning opportunities, and the role of family and early childhood programs." Though intended for the state of Missouri, educators of early learners may find the content useful in their states. It is offered as an example of a state-wide initiative to enhance school readiness of early learners.