Supporting Emergent Literacy in the Early Years

This accessible text provides a comprehensive overview of the skills and knowledge that children will need to develop over time to become confident readers and writers. It focuses on how educators can notice and nurture this literacy development by directing them to attend to what children can do and what social and cultural funds of knowledge they bring to literacy learning. Drawing on the author’s extensive experience of teaching and researching emerging literacy, the book provides practical evidence-based strategies for supporting young children’s development in reading, writing, and language alongside guidance on how to identify and overcome challenges. Chapters cover key topics including the development of phonological awareness, vocabulary, print awareness, alphabetic knowledge, gross and fine motor control, and expressive and receptive language with guidance on the key behaviours to observe as they plan for children’s next steps. Including case studies, practical examples, and reflective points, this is an essential text for students on early childhood studies or foundation degree courses as well as those training to become primary teachers. It will also be valuable reading for early years educators looking to improve their confidence and knowledge in supporting children’s emerging literacy development.