Language and Literacy Development in Early Childhood

Reading with children is one of the most important ways that children can develop their language and be supported in becoming literate. This chapter uses excerpts from a range of contemporary picture books alongside reading expert Margaret Meek's concept of the ‘reading lessons’ that emerge from reading quality literary texts with children (1988). It provides a set of criteria as a basis for choosing quality literature. The role of talk in the reading process using Carol Fox's ‘talking like a book’ and Aidan Chambers’ ‘tell me’ framework is also explored. Responding to literature through related creative arts activities concludes the chapter.

Anticipated outcomes for the chapter

After working through this chapter you should be able to:

SCENARIO: READING WITH 15-MONTH-OLD JORDAN

Fifteen-month-old Jordan toddles excitedly across the room with one of his favourite stories, Where is the Green Sheep? (Fox & Horacek, 2004). He gives it to his father who asks, ‘Would you like this book AGAIN?’ Jordan nods. ‘Shall Daddy read to you?’ Jordan nods, smiles and waits expectantly for his father to lift him up beside him onto the lounge. Together they share the book with Jordan turning the pages, sometimes with a little help from his father. With each familiar rendition of ‘Here is the___sheep’ Jordan points to it and repeats the adjective that is associated with this sheep as they are encountered. His father stops frequently and asks Jordan what each sheep is doing. He affirms Jordan's response and extends his single word answer, ‘Yes. You're right, this is the red sheep.’ At each question about the whereabouts of the green sheep Jordan puts both hands in the air, with palms facing upward, and shrugs. He giggles in delight when they turn to the final page and find the green sheep sleeping.