Learning Experiences, Strategies, and Curriculum (LRN)

Specific Content Areas: Early Literacy

Fostering Young Readers through Language and Literacy: A Guide for Connecting the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 Across Early Childhood Systems (pdf) – This guide from WECCP provides an overview of the 2023 Wisconsin Act 20 and highlights the intersections to key early care and education systems in the state. It offers practical strategies for educators to create effective learning environments that nurture the development of strong young readers.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (WI DPI) website has resources to support early language and literacy development for learners, schools, libraries, and communities. Some of the resources include:

  • Assets-Based Early Literacy Engagement (website) – This webpage focuses on leveraging the existing strengths and assets within communities and families to support early literacy development.
  • Literacy Practices Bank (website) – This webpage provides educators with a collection of evidence-based literacy practices and strategies to implement in their classrooms.
  • Reading Foundational Skills (website) – This webpage outlines the essential foundational skills necessary for reading success and offers guidance on developing these skills in young learners.
  • Reading In Wisconsin (website) – This webpage offers a comprehensive overview of the state of reading in Wisconsin, potentially including data on literacy rates, achievement gaps, and initiatives aimed at improving reading outcomes.
  • Wisconsin Reads (2023 WI Act 20) (website) – This webpage provides resources, guidance, and updates on the implementation of Wisconsin Act 20, a law designed to improve literacy outcomes for all learners. The website also includes information on various early literacy initiatives, like midyear screening, curriculum council recommendations, and diagnostic assessments.
  • WISELearn Resource Library (website) – This online library provides educators with access to a wide range of digital resources, including lesson plans, assessments, and professional development materials related to early literacy.

International Literacy Association (website) – (ILA) is a global organization committed to promoting literacy instruction in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. ILA advocates for children’s rights to read (website) and for quality literacy instruction in reading, writing, communication, and critical thinking. Their website provides a variety of resources to support early learners, including a literacy glossary and materials on topics such as:

Joint Position Statement (pdf) – This position statement by the International Reading Association and the National Association for the Education of Young Children advocates for developmentally appropriate reading and writing instruction for young children. It highlights the importance of early language and print concept development, outlines research-based teaching practices, and recommends policy changes to support literacy learning.

Developmentally Appropriate Approaches to Literacy (website) – The National Association for the Education of Young Children offers resources to help early childhood educators promote literacy. It provides articles and blog posts on topics like developmentally appropriate literacy, reading strategies, and using environmental print to support young learners. It also includes Articles for Families on Literacy.

The Planned Language Approach (website) – from the Head Start Early Childhood Learning & Knowledge Center provides guidance on implementing evidence-based practices to support all children, including dual language learners. The approach emphasizes a coordinated approach to teaching the Big 5 for All. The Big 5 refers to five key skills that are crucial for school readiness and should be incorporated into teaching every day for all children, especially dual language learners.

Comprehensive Resources For Early Childhood Development (website) – This webpage from Zero to Three offers resources in English and Spanish to support early language and literacy development, including guides on how infants learn language and tips for nurturing literacy skills.

Wisconsin State Reading Association (website) – The Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) offers leadership, advocacy, and professional learning to support effective literacy practices that recognize the diverse strengths of diverse students as they apply their literacies in meaningful ways in a changing world. Their website offers literacy-related resources, including those related to the “science(s) of reading” and their annual conference.

For additional resources, visit the resource section of Fostering Young Readers (PDF) (pages 19-25), which offers implementation, practice guides, articles, and materials from trusted partners to support early language and literacy development.

 

Updated 12/5/2024