Literacy development begins at birth, and the early years that follow are key for later learning and success. These days, a great deal of attention is being paid to learning to read, but fostering young children’s literacy and language development entails understanding and supporting a range of areas, including print awareness, comprehension, links between sounds and letters, language and knowledge, and writing (in various forms).

This issue of Teaching Young Children aims to complement and expand the practices you already engage in, like interactive read alouds. Read about ways to plan and use your learning environment and materials to spur literacy and language learning while including children’s cultures, opportunities to play, and intentionally integrated direct instruction. Be sure to share the two Message in a Backpack™ features with families in your setting.

Reflection Questions for This Issue

1. What have you observed about children’s literacy and language development in your setting?
2. As you consider the different areas for literacy and language learning, in which do you feel confident about your knowledge and practices? Which do you feel you need to learn more about?
3. As you think about the books in your setting, to what extent do they offer a window and a mirror for the children you educate and care for?