Learning to Read and Write

Learning to Read and Write
A Place to Start
Rebecca Novick, Ph.D.
October 1998
This publication is a resource for teachers, administrators, and families. The central theme in this book is there are many paths to literacy. In the preschool and primary school years, conversations, singing, poetry, pretend play, painting and drawing, dictating stories to an adult, story telling, story dramatization, using illustrations to tell stories, a print-rich environment, and reading aloud are activities that lead a child into literacy. A love of stories and writing is nurtured by responsive, caring adults who, in literacy expert Frank Smith’s words, invite children into what he calls the "literacy club." By integrating literacy - oral, written, and aesthetic - into the everyday lives of young children, literacy becomes meaningful, relevant, and powerful. See Parents Let's Talk to see how parents can use the research findings to help their children become confident and competent speakers, readers, and writers. The book includes four sections:

In the first section, research on learning to talk, read, and write is discussed, and activities to support the development of these crucial competencies are explored. The discussion is divided into two chapters, "Supporting Early Literacy in the Preschool Years" and "Supporting Early Literacy in the Primary Years."

Following the two chapters on literacy development are profiles of five Northwest schools. These snapshots are intended to tie theory with practice in the "real world."

A section with materials suitable for handouts in workshops for both parents and teachers is included. The handouts include brief synopses of a concept, summaries of research, and suggestions for designing learning experiences for young children.

Finally, an extensive bibliography following the research synthesis provides references for more in-depth study.

This document is available online in PDF format.


	Learning to Read and Write (entire document) This document is very large and will appear to be blank while it's loading. [2.7 M]

	Cover [2,787 Kb]

	Table of Contents [79 Kb]

	Introduction [173 Kb]

	Supporting Early Literacy: The Preschool Years [513 Kb]

	Supporting Early Literacy: The Primary Years [760 Kb]

	Site Profiles [596 Kb]

	Handouts [491 Kb]

	References [98 Kb]

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	In the first section, research on learning to talk, read, and write is discussed, and activities to support the development of these crucial competencies are explored. The discussion is divided into two chapters, "Supporting Early Literacy in the Preschool Years" and "Supporting Early Literacy in the Primary Years."
	Following the two chapters on literacy development are profiles of five Northwest schools. These snapshots are intended to tie theory with practice in the "real world."
	A section with materials suitable for handouts in workshops for both parents and teachers is included. The handouts include brief synopses of a concept, summaries of research, and suggestions for designing learning experiences for young children.
	Finally, an extensive bibliography following the research synthesis provides references for more in-depth study.