The three major foundations of English/Language Arts are listed below:

(to a view short clip from the video, click on the appropriate graphic):

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Reading

Concepts About Print

One of the first steps of literacy development is recognizing that printed language can be used to communicate in a variety of ways for a wide range of purposes. When children realize that print carries a message or a concept, we say that they have developed "print awareness."

Adults can support the development of children's understanding of print by reading to them daily. As they read, they should allow children to examine the pictures and become aware of the format of print.

Other Reading Foundations included in the video are:

Phonological Awareness
Decoding and Word Recognition
Vocabulary and Concept Development
Structural Features of Informational and Technical Materials
Emergent Literacy with Appropriate Books and Stories


Writing

Organization and Focus

Writing is another part of literacy that has its beginnings in the early years. To encourage children to experiment with writing, adults can provide access to a wide variety of writing materials and to activities that give children a reason to write. Children's scribbles and drawings are attempts at standard writing and should be treated as legitimate elements of literacy development. To find out the meaning of children's scribbles or drawings, ask them to read their writing or talk about their drawing. Adults can ask for permission to "translate" a child's writing into conventional print.





Other Writing Foundations included in the video are:

Different Types of Writing and their Characteristics
Handwriting and Spelling


Listening and Speaking

Comprehension

Young children need an environment filled with language being used for different purposes. Talking familiarizes children with the words and ideas they will need to enjoy and understand books.

Adults can support children's attempts at comprehension by providing a wide variety of materials to hold, touch, play with, and manipulate. This will give children a wider variety of topics for discussion. Children should be encouraged and given time and opportunities to share their ideas and experiences. Adults can expand children's understanding by asking many open-ended questions.





Oral Communication and Speaking Applications

Young children use words to ask questions, express feelings, solve problems, and help others understand their needs. To build a solid speaking foundation, young children need opportunities to formulate language rules and communicate their ideas to adults and children.

Adults can support children's attempts at oral communication by encouraging the use of words to express ideas, desires, feeling, and to resolve conflicts. Storytelling will encourage the use of new and interesting words. Adults can provide opportunities for children to interact and communicate by asking open-ended questions and encourage children to share their ideas and experiences.