Developing Early Literacy 0-8: From Theory to Practice

Excellent literacy practices should begin at birth, and can set young learners on an exploratory journey from the very beginning of their lives. Providing support with the planning and teaching of this vital aspect of the curriculum, this text shows you how to develop and use innovative and exciting methods to help develop early literacy. Linking theory with practice, topics covered include: * Babies and very early communication * The importance of role play corners * Outdoor learning and literacy * How rhyme and repetition help to develop literacy * Teaching literacy to children who have English as an Additional Language (EAL) * Literacy and diversity * Using picture books to develop literacy * Supporting transitions * Different approaches to the teaching of phonics and early reading. Each chapter has learning objectives, case studies featuring younger and older children from the Birth to 8 age range, a summary and suggested Further Reading. This text is essential reading for those on Early Childhood Studies, Early Years, Primary PGCE and Early Years teacher education courses. Virginia Bower is Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University.