Chapter 4: Working with the Youngest Readers and Writers
I: Overview
Chapter four outlines children’s progress through the emergent, beginning, and fluent stages of
literacy development. Effective instructional practices such as the Language Experience
Approach, Shared Reading, and Interactive Writing are explained.
Chapter 4 Objectives
After reading this chapter, students should be able to:
1 Describe methods of fostering young children’s interest in literacy and teaching concepts
Chapter 4 Outline
Vignette: K-3 Students Become Readers and Writers
Introduction
FOSTERING AN INTEREST IN LITERACY
• Concepts About Print
HOW CHILDREN DEVELOP AS READERS AND WRITERS
• Stage 1: Emergent Reading and Writing
• Stage 2: Beginning Reading and Writing
• Stage 3: Fluent Reading and Writing
INSTRUCTIONAL PRACTICES
• Morning Message
II. Teaching Suggestions
Preview Questions
Chapter 4 introduces pre-service teachers to the needs of the youngest readers and writers. As
the class begins a study of chapter 4, invite the students to discuss the questions which follow.
1. Literacy is a process that begins in infancy and continues throughout our lives. What role
do parents and early caregivers play in guiding a child to literacy?
2. Some young children have rich literacy experiences while others have little exposure to
Focus Questions
Pre-service teachers should consider the questions which follow as they read chapter 4.
1 How can teachers motivate young children to read?
Class Activities
1. Write Morning Messages for your college students. Begin by writing a message that states
2. Review the Language Experience Approach with the pre-service teachers in your class. Ask
After Class Activities
1. Ask the pre-service teachers in your class to form groups to develop literacy play centers. If
2. Young children begin reading by recognizing environmental print such as logos on fast-food
restaurants, department stores, and grocery stores. Challenge your college students to find
appealing environmental print in their area. Ask the college students to list the environmental
III. Resources
Related Readings
Online Resources
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Four Simple Steps to Small Group Guided Writing
This lesson plan, published on the Read Write Think website, helps teachers guide young