Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

Dual Language Learners in the Early Years: Getting Ready to Succeed in School

This National Clearinghouse on English Language Acquisition report explores the issues associated with school readiness among young dual language learners.

First Grade Instruction

This article from the Reading Rockets website describes the importance of reading instruction in the first grade and the role the first grade teacher plays in the early learner's literacy development.

Leading Early Childhood Learning Communities

This National Association of Elementary School Principals guide identifies eight ways principals can work with policymakers and community leaders to create and lead early childhood learning communities.

Rethinking Parent Involvement During Transition to First Grade: A Focus on Asian American Families

Authored by California State University Fullerton's Assistant Professor Susan Sy, this article explores the role of Asian American parents in the transition of their early learners from kindergarten to first grade. As noted in the article's abstract, "The existing literature addressing Asian American parent involvement suggests that indirect practices at home, such as structuring the child's time, are more common among Asian American parents and more consistent with Asian cultural values. I analyze how this type of involvement during the early school years may be particularly helpful in facilitating continuity during children's transition to first grade." First grade teachers with Asian American students may find this article helpful.

The Vital Role of Early Childhood Teachers in Children's Literacy and Language Development

This brief summarizes the finding from the Foundations of Literacy Study, University of Nevada, Reno. The brief identifies the role early childhood teachers have in early literacy and language development. Though intended for Nevada educators, the findings may be useful to educators of early learners in other states.