Literacy Development
At the WVU Early Learning Institute, literacy is not a standalone subject; it is a continuous process woven into every aspect of our full-day curriculum. We provide a print-rich environment where children discover that written language is both functional and meaningful.
Our Literacy Philosophy
We believe literacy begins long before formal schooling through exposure to “environmental print”; the signs, labels, and words that surround us.
- Integrated Learning: Children develop reading and writing skills simultaneously through intentional daily experiences.
- Simultaneous Growth: Whether a child is focused on drawing, printing, or reading, interest in one area naturally encourages growth in the others.
- Holistic Guidance: Teachers prioritize informal conversations, active listening, and language exploration to nurture natural curiosity.
Daily Literacy in Action
Children take active responsibility for record-keeping and charting information, which helps them understand the real-world utility of print.
- Play Plans: Upon arrival, children dictate their goals or draw lines for words, creating a functional “play plan” that serves as a portfolio of their growth.
- Themed Learning Centers: Weekly themes—like a bakery, campsite, or grocery store—provide props and labels that encourage spontaneous writing and reading during play.
- Writing & Listening Stations: A wide variety of materials, including stencils, chalk, markers, and predictable readers, are available for independent exploration.
Core Literacy Competencies
Our curriculum aligns with the West Virginia Early Learning Standards to develop essential foundational skills:
- Alphabet Recognition: Engaging with letters in various contexts.
- Phonological Awareness: Enhancing sound awareness through nursery rhymes, alliteration, and syllable clapping.
- Concepts About Print: Understanding how books and written language work.
- Vocabulary Development: Building a robust bank of words through interactive experiences.
Instructional Strategies
Teachers utilize research-based methods to support children as they move toward independent literacy:
- Language Experience: We print children’s dictations and post them at eye level so they can see the connection between spoken and written words.
- Didactic Reading: Teachers read aloud daily, modeling fluent reading and comprehension strategies.
- Scaffolding: Educators provide tailored support to help children reach the next level of reading or writing.
- Rotating Library: Our collection is updated weekly to relate to ongoing research projects and children’s current interests.