Literacy-rich environments. What does this even mean? Why is it important? How do you implement it at home, in a classroom, therapy room, or in a homeschool setting?
Literacy-rich environments are settings that provide children with an opportunity to use elements of literacy in functional ways, such as in the classroom, at home, or in therapy.
Literacy supports a child’s ability to communicate, express and understand feelings, and increases their overall language development. Our goal for nearly every child is to help them learn to read. Why? Because you learn to read so that you can read to learn. I had never thought about the simplicity and accuracy of that saying, but it is so true!
There are so many opportunities for print in any environment. Here are 7 ways you can create a literacy-rich environment:
- Labels
I am a label fanatic, y’all! Here’s a list of the kinds of labels I like to include in my therapy and in my homeschool classroom:
- Name labels
- Item/classroom labels
- Storage bin labels
- Shelf organization labels
Name labels and classroom labels are staples in my homeschool classroom setup. At each of my kids’ seats, they have a name label that always has a number line and upper- and lower-case letters for reference as they may need them. I also have items in our classroom labeled, such as crayons, markers, glue, etc.
The labels shown in the photo above are from our Post Office Dramatic Play pack that I purchased from Play to Learn Preschool. These labels were perfect for organizing materials in our “post office.” I loved how they had a picture and text!
I also like to store items in organized bins with labels featuring a picture and print combination on the box. This helps children (and even my husband!) establish organizational skills and shows them what is expected for that specific bin. I use the same thing for organization on shelving. It shows them exactly what goes where and cuts down on my “mom fits” (..you know what I’m talking about) at home when items aren’t put back where I put them after spending hours organizing their toys. Hah! Children are able to make that connection between item and word when different types of labels are used in a variety of places around the classroom.
Since labels are my favorite, I am sharing my FREE classroom labels to use wherever you would like to add more print! Download them at the end of this post or find them here.
2. Classroom Charts
Examples of classroom charts might include:
- Anchor charts
- Weather charts
- Maps
- Calendar charts
I love to use charts in anything I do! In our homeschool classroom, I typically have an anchor chart related to our theme at the time, as well as several charts for our calendar time, such as months of the year, days of the week, weather, etc. This provides text that is revisited frequently and kiddos learn to recognize those words with repeat exposure to them.
3. Word Wall
Word walls provide
- exposure to new and familiar vocabulary
- reference support during reading and writing activities
- opportunities to see patterns and relationships in words
In every theme we cover in homeschool, I always have a word wall with vocabulary specific to that theme. Some of the vocabulary is new to them, but the ones that are already familiar to them provides a relationship between the letters, words, and pictures. This helps to build those phonics and spelling skills. They are also able to use these words as a reference while completing activities and lessons. This encourages independence and teaches them to be resourceful.
4. Reading Nook or Reading Corner
This one may seem a little more obvious, but just having a space dedicated to reading and access to books shows children that reading is valuable and encourages them to practice and improve their own literacy skills.
5. Alphabet classroom borders
Think back to your early childhood. Do you recall seeing alphabet borders in your educational environment? Chances are, you probably do! I never really realized until I was an adult just how much I relied on those borders and how often I referred to them, especially the cursive ones when I got older. These are a simple, easy way to add print to any room!
6. Classroom jobs
Responsibility. Confidence. Sense of purpose. Social skills. Not only do classroom jobs support these 4 important qualities in children, but what a wonderful opportunity to add more print to a child’s environment! Pair the words with a picture of the job and this enables kids to make a connection between the word and the task. Having jobs that are easily attainable gives children confidence in themselves and teaches them responsibility. Being a part of something bigger provides each child with a sense of purpose or belonging and makes them feel like an important piece of the puzzle.
7. Dramatic play centers
This is one of my favorite things! Dramatic play is a good way to sneak literacy into a child’s environment without them even knowing it! It helps children understand that reading and writing are a part of everyday life and gives them an opportunity to experience it as such in the context of play. Here are a few of my favorite dramatic play centers:
- Restaurant: The name of the restaurant can be displayed around the room. Children can read menus and order their food while another child jots down their order on a notepad and brings them a handwritten bill when their meal is over.
- Grocery store: Children can shop for their favorite items while reading the labels on items they are already familiar with.
- School: What child doesn’t love to play the teacher? In this dramatic play center, children can play “teacher” and pretend to read to their class, explain a lesson, point to words on charts, or lead songs with visuals.
- Ice cream shop: Every customer that visits the ice cream shop is going to want to know what flavors they can choose from. This offers a great opportunity for children to read flavors off to their customers.
DOWNLOAD YOUR FREE CLASSROOM LABELS BELOW!
