Emergent Literacy and Alphabet Knowledge - Essay Example

Blevins (22) writes that, “Children who have limited alphabet knowledge upon entering school may have trouble gaining the all-important alphabet recognition skills through the traditional “letter a week” method. Without the necessary memorization, early reading instruction becomes cumbersome and difficult.” This means that alphabet knowledge is a crucial pre-requisite of literacy development, and is not hard for the children to learn when they are already in their emergent literacy phase.

A little effort from parents can do the trick. It is important to discuss how emergent literacy and alphabet knowledge may be taught in a classroom setting. Although the primary role in emergent literacy is that of the parents’, but teachers can also play their part in enhancing the preschoolers’ emergent literacy skills. One example is through games. Since the children are not yet familiar with formal reading and writing, games are very effective, which can be downloaded and installed in computer systems.

Games include a wide variety of learning concepts, ranging from simple letters to words card games. Many games reinforce letter recognition and alphabet learning, using flashcards and personalized cards. Teachers can group the games according to each main literacy concept. Since teachers are the main source of inspiration for children, they should use a wide variety of new words and concepts in their language in the classroom. They should introduce descriptive words every now and then. They should read stories and poems to the children, to develop an association between them and the books.

They should create sound and letter awareness through exposure to sounds through music, building blocks, puzzles, etc. a well-stocked library area. It is important to discuss how emergent literacy and alphabet knowledge may be taught in a classroom setting. Although the primary role in emergent literacy is that of the parents’, but teachers can also play their part in enhancing the preschoolers’ emergent literacy skills. One example is through games. Since the children are not yet familiar with formal reading and writing, games are very effective, which can be downloaded and installed in computer systems.

Games include a wide variety of learning concepts, ranging from simple letters to words card games. Many games reinforce letter recognition and alphabet learning, using flashcards and personalized cards. Teachers can group the games according to each main literacy concept. Since teachers are the main source of inspiration for children, they should use a wide variety of new words and concepts in their language in the classroom. They should introduce descriptive words every now and then. They should read stories and poems to the children, to develop an association between them and the books.

They should create sound and letter awareness through exposure to sounds through music, building blocks, puzzles, etc. a well-stocked library area should always be there for the children to go to, where they can explore alphabet knowledge on their own. They should be encouraged to draw and scribble on the black/white board. Teachers should also make reading interactive through choral repetition and pointing-at-a-picture method.