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Many of our articles dated 2000 and earlier can now be found in this archive.

With one-on-one conversation, dramatic play, and engaging read alouds, preschool teachers can promote children's language and literacy development. Learn about research studies on the characteristics of preschool environments that prepare children to become readers.

The Committee for the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children has compiled detailed lists of literacy accomplishments for children of different ages. Find out what the typical child can do from birth through age three, from three to four, and in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades.

Historically, we used the term "reading readiness" to describe the early years as preparation for reading. Now, we use the term "emergent literacy" to characterize these early activities as part of a continuum of reading development, rather than as preparation for it. Find out how to support children's emergent literacy in this discussion of perspectives on development.

Historically, we used the term "reading readiness" to describe the early years as preparation for reading. Now, we use the term "emergent literacy" to characterize these early activities as part of a continuum of reading development, rather than as preparation for it. Find out how to support children's emergent literacy in this discussion of perspectives on development.

The following are recommended teaching practices from the International Reading Association (IRA) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

How much a child is spoken to, and has the opportunity to speak, can play a great role in how reading difficulties develop.

Families differ enormously in the level to which they provide a supportive environment for a child's literacy development.

Three main accomplishments characterize good readers. Find out what these accomplishments are, and what experiences in the early years lay the groundwork for attaining them.

The foundations for reading success are formed long before a child reaches first grade.

Early experiences with sounds and letters help children learn to read. This article makes recommendations for teaching phonemic awareness, sound-spelling correspondences, and decoding, and includes activities for parents to support children's development of these skills.

Research shows that the very notion that spoken language is made up of sequences of little sounds does not come naturally or easily to human beings. The small units of speech that correspond to letters of an alphabetic writing system are called phonemes. Thus, the awareness that language is composed of these small sounds is termed phonemic awareness.

The Committee for the Prevention of Reading Difficulties in Young Children has compiled detailed lists of literacy accomplishments for children of different ages. Find out what the typical child can from ages three to four.

The development of oral language is one of the child's most natural – and impressive – accomplishments.

Children go through certain phases of reading development from preschool through third grade – from exploration of books to independent reading. Find out what children at each phase should be able to do, and what teachers and families can do to support their development along the way.

Whether a tutor is reading aloud, talking, or writing with a child, there are strategies for making these interactions even more valuable. Learn about these strategies in these tips for tutoring preschool and kindergarten children.

Learn how children develop oral language skills through interactions with their caregivers and families by reading sample conversations with preschoolers.

Learn how children develop oral language skills through interactions with their caregivers and families by reading sample conversations with toddlers.

Learn how children develop oral language skills through interactions with their caregivers and families by reading sample conversations with crawlers and walkers.

Learn how children develop oral language skills through interactions with their caregivers and families by reading sample conversations with babies.

Preschoolers who are getting ready to read expand their knowledge of the building blocks of oral and written language, and their use and appreciation of language. Learn activities parents can use at home to support children's growth in each of these areas.