What does a Literacy Rich Environment Look Like?

“The literacy-rich environment emphasizes the importance of speaking, reading, and writing in the learning of all students. This involves the selection of materials that will facilitate language and literacy opportunities; reflection and thought regarding classroom design; and intentional instruction and facilitation by teachers and staff.” ~ The Access Center

Establishing the Environment

What’s obvious?Print Everywhere!◦ Posted Alphabets:

at least 2 in every classroom

◦ Name Labels: each child’s name should appear at least 4-5 times in the

classroom

◦ Item Labels: every area and resource should have a text and image label

labels should be on child’s eye level

◦ Functional Print: Weather Chart

Calendar

Maps

Literacy Rich Environment

Yes, that too.Four books per child in the classroom. ~ From Early Years

◦ Of all different levels

◦ Multiple types:

Picture Books

Predictable/Repeated Refrain

Informational

Concept

Wordless Books

Big Books

Magazines

Easy Readers

Literacy Rich Environment

I guess that makes sense.Lots of opportunities for children to practice fine motor skills.◦ Writing

Large pencils, crayons, and markers

Chalk and/or dry-erase boards

◦ Painting

Large brushes and finger paints

◦ Sand writing

◦ Different types of paper

Newsprint

Construction paper

Card stock

Literacy Rich Environment

I hadn’t thought of that.Imaginative Play◦ Props for Retelling Stories

Stuffed animals

Finger puppets and Puppets

Flannel Story items

◦ Occupations Menus

Recipes

Traffic Signs

Singing & Music◦ Rhymes

◦ Rhythm

◦ Movement

Literacy Rich Environment

What have we mentioned already?Demonstrating what words mean with pictures or further explanation◦ Use of synonyms when explaining a word

◦ Connect abstract ideas, like feelings, to concrete images, like pictures of people’s faces expressing emotion

Imaginative Play◦ Retelling stories as a class

◦ Extending stories into real life

Literacy Rich Behavior

What else?Ask open-ended questions◦ Give time for children to think about

◦ Provide encouraging feedback

Connect books to children’s own lives◦ Comparison and contrast questions

◦ What would you do?

◦ How would that make you feel?

Encourage children to select the stories

Read books related to classroom activities

Literacy Rich Behavior

How do I select a great book?Text◦ How long is it? Not too long, but not too short either

◦ Is it fun?

◦ Is it awkward to read?

Illustrations◦ Are they big enough to see?

◦ Are they vivid?

◦ Do they add to the text?

◦ Is there something hidden that listeners can search for?

Selecting the Books

Do YOU love it?

Selecting the Books

Have Fun With Books

Talk, Talk, Talk

Take Time To Rhyme

Notice Print All Around You

Look For Letters

Tell Stories About Everything

Thank you!