Language & Literacy Development

As they talk, play, read, and write with young children throughout the day, families, providers, and early childhood educators build a foundation for language and literacy. These important adults in each child’s world can instill a deep love for reading and learning as they share experiences with books each day. Language and literacy develop across domains as children grow and learn in a literacy-rich environment.

 The following resources are designed to inform and inspire early childhood educators, providers, and leaders in their work with young children and families in Wyoming. Professional learning opportunities and additional Language and Literacy Development resources are available by contacting the WYECPLC Learning Specialists.

Featured Articles & Resources

teacher reading book with two children; preschool reading books
Literacy Learning for Infants, Toddlers, & Preschoolers Key Practices for Educators by Tanya S. Wright, Sonia Q. Cabell, Nell K. Duke, & Mariana Souto-Manning
Open book with magnifying glass and question mark icon in green and white

  • Look for upcoming opportunities focused on Language and Literacy Development in early childhood programs.

Learning Opportunities

Must Read Books

Art Making Using Picture Books and Art to Read Our World by Michelle Kay Compton and Robin Chappele Thompson

Art Making Using Picture Books and Art to Read Our World

by Michelle Kay Compton and Robin Chappele Thompson

I Already Know How to Read A Child’s View of Literacy by Prisca Martens Foreward by Yetta M. Goodman

I Already Know How to Read A Child’s View of Literacy

 by Prisca Martens Foreward by Yetta M. Goodman

Learning About Language and Literacy in Preschool by Editors of Teaching Young Children

Learning About Language and Literacy in Preschool

by Editors of Teaching Young Children

So Much More Than the ABC’s The Early Phases of Reading and Writing by Judith A. Schickedanz and Molly F. Collins

So Much More Than the ABC’s The Early Phases of Reading and Writing

by Judith A. Schickedanz and Molly F. Collins

Green and white buffalo icon; connections to wyoming resources

Connections to Wyoming Resources

Wyoming’s Coherent Path to Quality

The dimensions of program quality: relationships and interactions, the emotional and physical environment, and learning experiences provide a foundation for language and literacy development. These Examples from Wyoming and Stories from the Field connect to quality language and literacy learning opportunities in the Coherent Path to Quality. 

Relationships and Interactions

Simple Rule #1 Authentic

Examples from Wyoming

Father and son reading together, page 8

The Emotional & Physical Environment

Simple Rule #1 Safe

Examples from Wyoming Children drawing, page 23

Simple Rule #3 Predictable

Stories from the Field Class conversations with educators, page 30

Learning Experiences

Simple Rule # Meaningful

Stories from the Field Introducing children to letters, page 40

Simple Rule #2 Exploratory

Stories from the Field Teacher Sharing stories with children, page 43

Wyoming’s Early Learning Standards

“Communication is fundamental to the human experience. Language and literacy development is essential for children’s learning across all domains. Dual language learners and those who use alternative forms of communication develop their language in the same way as all children. The emerging ability of children to communicate successfully with others in multiple ways allows them to build relationships, share meaning, express needs, and convey ideas.” Wyoming Early Learning Standards, page 21

The following stories from Wyoming’s Early Learning Standard provide connections to Literacy. The Equity Connections, Teacher Tips, and Try It! sections invite you to explore standards in your early childhood setting.

Literacy

Daily Journals, page 24

Playful Reading, page 25

Reading in the Park, page 26

Cowboy Conference Archive

  • Strengthening Family Partnerships Through Literacy (September 25, 2021)

    Taylor Dory, PLC Regional Facilitator

    Jenelle Bennett, Former lead teacher at the University of Wyoming Early Care and Education Center

  • Creating Meaningful Connections Between Children and Books to Support Early Literacy

    Alicia Alger Lab School Preschool Teacher Natrona County School District

    Julie Eastes, Wyoming Early Childhood Consultant

  • Building Early Literacy Skills for Infants and Toddlers

    Taylor Dory and Kara Cossel, PLC Regional Facilitators

Voices From the Village Podcast

  • Voices From Our Village: Season 3 Episode 4 Young Children’s Emerging Literacy

    Dr. Pauline Harris from the University of South Australia discusses key ideas in young children’s literacy development.

  • Voices From Our Village: Season 3 Episode 5 More Insight on Young Children’s Emerging Literacy

    Julie Eastes, Wyoming Early Childhood Consultant

  • ECHO Session

    Language Development: How to Develop a Language-Rich Environment in Homes and Schools

WYECPLC Blog Posts

  • Fall is the Perfect Time for Getting Outdoors with Children! (November 1, 2022)

    Julie Eastes, Early Childhood Consultant

  • Old MacDonald Had A…Monster Truck! (August 29, 2022)

    Julie Eastes, Early Childhood Consultant

  • “Talk About the Words!” (July 22, 2020)

    Julie Eastes, Early Childhood Consultant

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