Leap into Literacy
by Rae Pica
Many experts consider oral language to be the foundation of emergent literacy. That means that speaking aloud, singing, and chanting provide opportunities for children to experience and enjoy the sound of language and its rhythms, volumes, tempos, and textures in a variety of ways. With practice, children learn to enunciate clearly. As they are exposed to the rhythm of language and to physical expressions of that rhythm they are able to internalize the rhythm of words when they’re reading.
The following activities expose children to oral language in general and to rhythm, rhyme, and syllables specifically. Most importantly, because they’re fun, they foster a love of language!
The Name Game. Children love to hear their own names. Sit with your child and clap out the syllables of her first name, saying the name aloud. For example, Jen-ni-fer would have three claps. After clapping the name, ask your child to mimic you. Then do your first name.
When your child is adept at the above, there are a couple of ways you can make it more challenging. First, add last names! You can also add foot stamping. Your child will best be able to do this while still seated but may eventually be able to clap and stamp while standing.
Echo. Sit with your child and explain that he’s going to echo what you say and mimic what you do. Recite the following nursery rhyme, breaking it into small pieces and clapping one clap per syllable as you say the words.
Mary had a little lamb,
Its fleece was white as snow;
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