Learning Literacy at a Young Age

 Between the ages of key stage one and key stage two, children will be learning their basic literacy skills, which will provide them with the foundation to build a more solid and diverse understand in future years. The subject is commonly split up into 3 different factions. Reading, writing and spelling, however, in some cases spelling is often a sub structure of writing. These skills are fundamental and are tested and adapted throughout subjects across the academic curriculum as well as being essential to everyday life.

There are certain things that you can do at home which may assist the teaching children receive at school and may also help them in their understanding of the subject in a different environment. Below are some ways in which we have identified you could do so:

Reading

It has been suggested that actively reading at home is one of the most important and effective ways in which a parent can assist their child with school work and help in developing their understanding of literacy. Regular reading practise can help to promote a healthy and positive outlook on reading, which is something that becomes even more important as children get older.

• When reading to your child, be interactive and ask them questions to involve them more in the activity. This could be with reference to the pictures, the story or the characters.
• Gradually encourage them to read with you, until they are at the stage where they are reading to you.
• Use dictionaries together if there is a word they do not understand; show them how to use it and encourage them to use it when they are stuck.
• Visit the library and familiarise them with their surroundings; give them the ability to try out a range of different books.
• Identify themes which they are interested in at school and follow it up with more reading.

Writing and Spelling

Getting into good handwriting habits is something more easily done at a younger age, which is why it is important that this is something actively encouraged - the same applies to spelling. Reading, writing and spelling are influential factors across all academic subjects and remain just as vital in life.

• Write different words with children and encourage them to copy and understand.
• Encourage them to take note of different handwriting styles and appreciate the benefits of being able to write neatly and legibly and then support them in being able to achieve this.
• Show them how words are constructed with the use of sounds and by visually breaking up the word.
• Encourage children to learn new words and also use the dictionary to find out what that word means. From this you should help them to use it once a day until they are comfortable working alone; you can then look for different worlds together.

By incorporating learning at home you are actively encouraging your children to learn at their own pace by giving them the freedom and the comfort to do it in their own particular style. This results in a happier and more positive outlook on learning and can be much more effective.

Article source: http://eslarticle.com/pub/teaching/young-learners/90671-learning-literacy-at-a-young-age.html