At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we believe that every giggle, rhyme, and story builds the foundation for a child’s lifelong love of learning. Early literacy begins at birth. It is not about teaching children to read words on a page. Instead, it is about nurturing the building blocks of communication, curiosity, and imagination.
A Brief History of Early Learning
The idea that young children can learn through play and language has been around for centuries. Thinkers like Friedrich Froebel, who created the first kindergarten, believed that storytelling, song, and play were the best ways to help children grow. Later research confirmed that even infants and toddlers are constantly developing skills that prepare them for reading and writing. This understanding led to the concept of “emergent literacy”, the recognition that literacy starts long before a child picks up a pencil.
Why Early Literacy Matters
By the time a child is 3 years old, their brain is working twice as fast as an adult’s, soaking up language and experiences. Research shows that children who are exposed to books, conversation, and songs from birth develop stronger vocabularies, better problem-solving skills, and are more prepared for school. Without these early experiences, children may face what experts call a “word gap,” starting kindergarten with fewer words and less confidence.
Every interaction counts: when a caregiver sings a lullaby, labels an object, or reads a story, the child’s brain makes connections that will later support reading and writing success.
What Early Literacy Looks Like for Young Children
Early literacy is not memorizing letters or drilling flashcards. It is about joyful experiences with words and print. Some examples include:
- Print Awareness – Toddlers learning to hold a book and turn pages.
- Phonological Awareness – Infants babbling back and forth in playful “conversations.”
- Vocabulary Growth – Teachers naming colors, shapes, or objects in the classroom.
- Narrative Skills – Singing songs, reciting rhymes, and telling simple stories.
- Environmental Print – Recognizing familiar logos, signs, or labels in everyday life.
Each of these experiences helps children connect language to meaning in ways they understand.
How Schoolhouse Learning Center Teachers Foster Early Literacy
Our teachers intentionally weave literacy into every part of the day:
- Reading Together – Teachers read aloud daily, pointing to words and pictures, asking questions, and encouraging toddlers to “help tell the story.”
- Songs and Rhymes – Music and fingerplays build rhythm, rhyme, and sound awareness, important pre-reading skills.
- Conversation and Play – Teachers follow a child’s lead in play, asking open-ended questions and expanding on their words.
- Print-Rich Environments – From labeled toy bins to colorful story corners, children are surrounded by meaningful print.
- Family Partnerships – Parents are encouraged to continue the fun at home with story times, library visits, and simple daily conversations.
At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we see early literacy as more than an academic skill, it is about connection, joy, and confidence. By creating a rich environment full of words, stories, and conversations, we prepare children for a bright future both inside and outside the classroom.
At Schoolhouse Learning Center, we are honored to partner with families in this exciting stage of growth. Every song, story, and conversation plants seeds of curiosity that blossom into lifelong learning.