Overview
Literacy is ‘the capacity, confidence and disposition to use language in all its forms’ (Early Years Learning Framework). It can include talking, listening, viewing, reading, writing, music, movement, dance, storytelling, visual arts, media and drama. Children develop a wide range of literacy skills in the early years, from infancy through to the start of school, which form the foundation for reading, writing and communicating. Early literacy approaches aim to promote the development of these foundational skills.
Early Years Learning Framework
Research
The research supports a number of evidence-based practices for promoting early literacy in early childhood education and care settings.
Tried and Tested practice guide
Annotated reference list
Using the practice
Evidence-based practices play an important part in extending children’s learning and development in early literacy. See below some strategies to embed early literacy in your early childhood and care setting.
Using the practice: early literacy
Snapshots of practice
Early literacy practices may look different in different contexts. See below examples of early literacy with a focus primarily on children 3-5 years.