ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the beginnings of literacy development. In particular, it focuses on literacy practices at the preschool level, given that many family literacy programs include children of this age group. The ways that parents can support their children’s oral and print literacy development before and into the first few years of formal schooling are examined. Differences in reading readiness and emergent literacy are discussed. The authors also discuss book reading in early education and family literacy programs, along with letter knowledge and vocabulary learning. Next, the chapter examines connections between play and early literacy, along with emergent writing. Finally, the chapter emphasizes the importance of cultural knowledge and integration of learning, particularly in relation to home-school transition.
