1. Early Literacy begins at birth; parents and caregivers engage young children in activities to enhance the skills, knowledge and attitudes that develop competent readers.

2. Early literacy skills develop along predictable developmental continua of print awareness, reading, writing, book handling, phonological awareness and second language learning if appropriate.

3. Working with parents to achieve common goals will maximize literacy achievements.

4. In-depth curriculum provides the means to enhance children’s vocabulary when a wide variety of words are used in meaningful context through experiences and books, including non-fiction.

5. English Language learners need concrete experience to learn vocabulary AND the home language should be encouraged as possible.

6. Quality conversations with multiple turn taking enhance children’s ability to communicate and use new vocabulary.

7. Intentional teachers assess individual children’s skills and plan activities to challenge but not frustrate children as they develop along each of the continua.

8. Important daily activities Include:

· Individual or small group book readings for every child.
· Daily writing with children to develop concepts of print.
· Encourage children to express themselves through scribbling, drawing, inventive spelling, and writing.

10. Sound games, tongue twisters, nursery rhymes, and poetry enhance children’s ability to hear and distinguish sounds.

11. Letter identification can happen within meaningful context, such as the child’s name, games, and conversations around letter shapes and sounds.

12. Teachers/parents can intentionally instruct children on early literacy skills and knowledge in playful and fun ways, allowing children time to incorporate these through manipulation and play.

Drawn from:
Center for the Improvement of Early Reading Achievement: http://www.ciera.org/library/instresrc/principles/10acprin.pdf
Putting the Research to Use: http://www.nwrel.org/learns/tutor/fall1998/fall1998ss.pdf