A child’s emerging reading and writing skills before they are able to read or write independently for example, scribbling/drawing, identifying, naming and sounding letters.Early literacy development does not simply happen; rather, it is a social process, embedded in children’s relationships with parents, grandparents, extended family members, siblings, teachers, caregivers, friends and the wider community. Even though we can classify the different stages of literacy and numeracy development as
two separate pathways, these pathways are interlinked to such an extent that we cannot take each one in isolation.
Children are developing literacy skills while at the same time, through the same experience can be understanding a numeracy concept.
Early literacy skills are the starting blocks which help a child be able to understand that letters are made up by a combination of lines, curves and circles and that when combined together, make up specific sounds, which make words with a specific meaning. Early drawing and writing begins with a lot of experimentation by children using large arm movements. Over time, these movements become smaller and more controlled by the hand. As this type of hand control and strength builds up, a child’s ability to make shapes, lines, curves and circles emerge, which later combine to represent letters. Children should have access to fun experiences where they are learning how to classify, measure, identify and recognise numbers, count and become familiar with shapes and size. These skills can be encouraged and achieved by involving children in various every day activities in the home such as sorting the shopping, measuring or weighing the ingredients whilst baking or cooking and singing finger rhymes and songs.
Whilst reading a book, drawing attention to text going from left to right, a number on a page and positional words such as ‘under/over/behind/on top of/beside’ will not only build the child’s vocabulary, but also introduce early mathematical language.
Interactions and relationships are also central to all children’s learning and development.
Good quality interactions between the staff and children will help build strong relationships especially when the activity is meaningful and enjoyable.
Spending one to one time with a child to read them a story which also introduces number concepts such as big, small, colour and number, or activities such as stacking cups, sorters, jigsaws and water or sand play will ensure that concepts are being explored in a fun and meaningful way, in a manner which is comfortable for the child.
Early exposure to writing materials such as crayons, paint, markers combined with regular exposure to books helps children
to become visually familiar with letters/words and how to draw and write them. Exposure to number and mathematical ideas from an early age will also build a firm foundation for children to become confident with numeracy concepts which will ensure they develop a positive disposition towards future numeracy experiences.