: Learning how to help children understand the function and characteristics of written language, such as recognizing letters and understanding that print carries meaning.

: Using songs and poetry to promote sound discrimination and word play, which are critical pre-reading skills. Professional Development Delivery Models

: Techniques for providing rich linguistic input through purposeful use of advanced words and expanding on a child’s own utterances.

: Improving educator-child verbal interactions, including the use of open-ended questions and interactive storytelling to build narrative skills. Evidence-Based Instructional Strategies

: Labeling classroom items, displaying alphabet walls, and providing accessible reading and writing centers to make literacy a natural part of the day.

: Training in strategies like rhyming games and syllable clapping to help children recognize and work with sounds in spoken language.

PD programs should equip teachers with practical tools to implement daily: