Enhancing Emergent Literacy Skills
Enhancing Emergent Literacy Skills
(Enhancing Emergent Literacy Skills)
Emergent literacy activities
Create two activities to be used to enhance emergent literacy, one for infants and one for toddlers.
Use the format of one of the lesson plan templates as a resource for each activity and include the following:
- Explanation of the activity,“ what the child is expected to do and what the teacher will do.
- Clear, measurable learning objectives that align to early learning standards (ELS) as well as your state’s subject standards.
- Relevant materials and resources including visual or audio resources.
- Explanation of how the activity can be modified to address the needs of individual learners.
- Description of how the activity helps in the development of emergent literacy. Provide specific examples.
Emergent Literacy Activities
Activity for Infants (6-12 months): Interactive Storytime with Textures
Explanation of the Activity:
The teacher will read a tactile storybook with textures, such as “Pat the Bunny” or a similar interactive book. Infants will explore the book by touching, feeling, and observing the pages as the teacher narrates the story with expressive voices and gestures. The teacher will encourage infants to engage by pointing to images and asking simple questions, such as, “Can you feel the bunny’s fur?”
Learning Objectives:
- Develop early sensory and tactile recognition skills.
- Foster auditory discrimination through listening to the teacher’s voice.
- Build vocabulary by introducing new words related to the story, such as “soft,” “bunny,” and “flower.”
Materials and Resources:
- A tactile storybook with interactive elements.
- Comfortable seating or a play mat for infants.
- Audio resource: Soothing background music or sound effects related to the book’s theme.
Modifications for Individual Learners:
- For visually impaired infants, focus on tactile and auditory elements by emphasizing textures and sound effects.
- For infants with motor delays, position the book to enable easier access to textures.
- For infants with auditory challenges, use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to reinforce the story.
How the Activity Helps in Emergent Literacy Development:
Interactive storytime introduces infants to the concept of books and storytelling. Feeling textures while hearing descriptive words strengthens the connection between sensory experiences and language. For example, touching the bunny’s fur while hearing “soft” helps infants associate the word with the sensation.
Activity for Toddlers (2-3 years): Alphabet Adventure Hunt
Explanation of the Activity:
The teacher will hide alphabet cards around the classroom or designated play area. Each card will have a large, colorful letter along with an object or picture that starts with that letter (e.g., “A” with an apple image). Toddlers will search for the cards and bring them to the teacher, who will guide them in identifying the letter and its sound.
Learning Objectives:
- Recognize and name letters of the alphabet.
- Begin associating letters with corresponding sounds.
- Develop problem-solving and gross motor skills through active exploration.
Materials and Resources:
- Alphabet cards with bold letters and matching images.
- A basket for collecting cards.
- Visual aids: Alphabet chart displayed in the room.
- Optional: Songs like “The Alphabet Song” for reinforcement.
Modifications for Individual Learners:
- For toddlers with limited mobility, place cards within their reach or bring cards to them for identification.
- For advanced learners, ask them to name additional words that start with each letter.
- For children with speech delays, use sign language or visual cues to support their responses.
How the Activity Helps in Emergent Literacy Development:
The Alphabet Adventure Hunt fosters letter recognition, phonemic awareness, and vocabulary building. For example, finding the “B” card with a ball image teaches toddlers the sound of “B” and reinforces the association with the word “ball.” Active engagement also keeps toddlers motivated, ensuring they view literacy activities as fun and rewarding.
These activities create foundational literacy skills by combining sensory exploration, movement, and meaningful interaction with language, ensuring both infants and toddlers are engaged in developmentally appropriate ways.
