Tips & Tools

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We've selected these resources to expand your options as you continue to explore emergent literacy. The materials we've included here range from quick tip videos and tip sheets to full professional development and early childhood focused conferences.

Self-Paced Modules

Part 1: Language in the Play-based Classroom

Watch this module to learn how to enhance language skills in the play-based classroom.

Part 2: Read Alouds in the Play-based Classroom

Watch this module to learn how to enhance reading skills in the play-based classroom.

Part 3: Sounds, Letters, and Words in the Play-based Classroom

Watch this module to learn how to enhance sound, letter, and word skills in the play-based classroom.

Part 4: Writing in the Play-based Classroom

Watch this module to learn how to enhance writing skills in the play-based classroom.

Webinars

Developing Family Literacy Practices to Support Children Birth-Age 5

During this webinar RIF’s literacy experts will demonstrate at-home literacy tips for families of children from birth through age five.

Literacy Begins Early! (en Español)

This RIF webinar, presented in Spanish, shares at-home literacy tips for families with children ages birth through four.

The Power of Play in Literacy Learning

In this RIF webinar, panelists Dr. Erin Bailey and Spencer Russell discuss how play and adult guidance support children’s reading development.

Read Alouds and the Science of Reading: Don’t Stop Your Storytimes!

In this RIF webinar, Dr. Molly Ness explains the latest research on read alouds.

Essentials of Writing for Little Hands: Nurturing Writers in Early Childhood

In this edWebinar, viewers gain an advanced understanding of the writing process with children in early childhood monolingual, bilingual, and dual-language classrooms.

Tip Sheets

Creating a Print-Rich Classroom

Does your classroom help children learn about reading and writing? Use this checklist to review the literacy-related features of your environment.

Developing Listening and Speaking Skills

Research shows that children gain language skills valuable for reading and writing through speaking and listening.

Early Childhood Literacy Tip Sheet

Start your little one on their reading journey with these tips for ages birth to four.

Ten Tips for Families of Young Children

Tips for families of children ages birth to four.

Tips for Talking with Children (Ages Birth-8)

Tips for talking with children ages birth to eight.

Creating Literacy Centers in the Classroom for Our Youngest Learners (Ages 2-4)

Literacy skills begin to develop early on for children. Follow these suggestions to create centers in your early childhood classroom to enhance literacy skills.

Tip Videos

Sound Wall vs. Alphabet Wall

In this video, Ms. Karly demonstrates the difference between a sound wall and an alphabet wall. Learn how to use the Sound Spelling Chart in your centers!

Family Engagement

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of families and teachers working together to support a child's reading development. Learn more about our family resources!

Supporting Comprehension

In this video Ms. Karly discusses the importance of understanding and making sense of spoken and written language, and why comprehension skills are essential for future reading success.

Vocabulary

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of learning new vocabulary in early childhood. Learn how to use the Picture Vocabulary Cards in your centers!

Dramatic Play

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of play in developing different social skills. Learn how to use Dramatic Play materials in your centers!

Rhyming

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of rhyming in early literacy development. Learn how to use the printable nursery rhymes and puppets in your Nursery Rhyme center!

Beyond the Book

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of reading aloud books to engage students in interdisciplinary literacies. Learn about the extension activities available!

Early Writing

In this video, Ms. Karly talks about the importance of engaging children in early writing activities. Learn about authentic writing activities that encourage children to make connections between meaning and written symbols!

ECE Conferences