“New state kindergarten standards in California list reading content that used to be more commonly taught in first grade. This article examines some of the thinking behind this change and argues that beginning reading can be incorporated into the kindergarten curriculum but not at the expense of two other key components – socialization and language development. Ways in which these three goals can be strengthened and combined are described.”
Study Guide Questions:
A. What examples do you see in your classroom of children participating in a “caring community?” (see pp 44-45 for some examples)
B. What are some ways you help children build their vocabulary and academic language?
C. How can you increase children’s time to talk about the books they/you read?
D. Discuss with colleagues ways to improve your writing centers. How can you and your colleagues share activities and materials that encourage children’s writing?
E. How do you and your colleagues educate parents, administrators, and school board members about the need to combine aspects of a Caring Community with your literacy program?
[box type=”download”]Click here to read the article.
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