Principles & Practices

Principle

Engaging in multiple literacy practices, such as reading books, singing songs, and reading poetry, is part of the daily life of most families.

Preschool teachers should recognize and capitalize on the richness of language use in children's families. By gathering the following information, a teacher will be in a better position to tap into the literacy practices and knowledge base the children are already familiar with and use this information as a resource in the classroom.

Practices

Ask parents about the ways they engage in the use language and literacy at home:

• Do they read to their children? If so, what kinds of printed materials do the adults and children in the home select?
• Mail, letters
• Newspapers
• Popular magazines
• Religious books and written materials
• Cookbooks and food labels
• School newsletters and information flyers
• Children's story books
• Folktales
• Nursery rhymes
• Poetry
• Letters or cards from relatives
• Television guides
• Board games
• Children's coloring or activity books
• Do they recite rhymes?
• Do they tell stories about relatives and friends?
• Do they sing along to music? If so, what type of music? Does the child have certain favorite songs?
• Do they tell folktales?
• Do they play word games?
• Do they share proverbs?
• Do you repeat limericks?
• Do they have family conversations?
• When do your best conversations happen?
• What does your child like to talk about?
• What do you like to talk about?