Language Development in the Early Years: A Pathway to Literacy

Children construct their knowledge about language through being active participants in a language rich environment. (Davidson, 1996)
LanguageThe method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way. LiteracyThe ability to read and write. Why Language and Literacy? Language and literacy is a very important part of child development in the early years. Language is developed as early as birth and children are continually listening to what is said around them. Children of all ages need to have one on one experiences and continuous interactions with adults to support their language development and to start a foundation for literacy later on in their lives. It is important that children are spoken to, read to, and listened to everyday. How to Promote Language and Literacy at Early Learning Centers and at Home. In a Early Years center it is crucial to have language and literacy displayed in the center in a variety of ways and that it is developmentally appropriate to promote reading and writing readiness. Some ways to do this are: labels, having books available in all areas and they should be displayed at the childs level and have easy access. Materials should be available for children to create their own stories along with alphabet charts and posters. The childrens names should be displayed, along with their writing and drawings. Language is a way for children to express themselves and should be able to do it in a variety of ways! At home it is important that you have conversations with your child on a daily basis, read to them and allow them to talk about whatever is on their mind or what they are interested in. Reading to your child whether it is during the day or at bed time is continually increasing their ability to develop, understanding and gain an interest in language. Some ways you can do this in your own home is reading to your child, singing songs, having conversations with them, exposing them to signs, pictures, newspapers, magazines, books, and anything else that has to do with language. Exposing them to these things is the most important part and having them in a language rich environment because this is how children construct their knowledge about language!
By: Kendra Doucette, Rhandi Lidstone, Jenn Simmons