Language development starts with the child's first months with the reading of books to the children, group time activities of songs, naming activities, sound games and with conversation in the classroom. After this early preparation the activities that introduce writing and reading are conducted simultaneously. The key activity that introduces writing is the Moveable Alphabet which the child uses to make words. As the child develops this word formation ability they use the Metal Insets to prepare for the physical act of writing. These activities are complemented by the child's use of simple reading books. Activities to help the child in using and recognising language include:
- Pre-reading activities include
— shared stories
— songs/poems/rhymes
— word cards
- Pre-writing activities include
— recognition of own name — being taught the action of writing the letter through the use of the sandpaper letters and numerals — introduction to the moveable alphabet (using objects to spell out three letter phonetic words) — use of the metal insets for pencil control (developing fine motor strength in the child’s fingers)
