Literacy in early childhood education

The Minister of Education Hon Anne Tolley, talked this week about the need to raise children’s achievement at school. In particular, the government is keen to improve literacy.

Literacy is part of a child’s life from the start – not just from when they start school. Literacy is language in use. It surrounds children – signs, technology, books and conversation. Reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills are all related and engaging children to develop these skills begins early in their life, well before they go to school.

For children attending a kindergarten or education and care centre, literacy is one of the focus areas for teachers as part of the curriculum Te Whariki. The programme builds on and complements the foundations set at home. Qualified teachers provide a rich environment where children can further acquire and practice their skills through story-telling, reading books, conversations, researching and planning a project at the carpentry table, and expressing ideas through drama and the arts for example.

International and New Zealand research shows participation in ECE is positively associated with gains made in literacy (Mitchell, L., Wylie, C., and Carr, M. (2008) Outcomes of ECE: Literature Review, Report to the Ministry of Education, Wellington. pg.41). Some of the long term studies report the effect of ECE on reading and literacy shows positive impacts to age 14 or later. The report also highlights “the positive associations between children’s literacy performance and aspects of quality ECE” (pg.35).

Don’t you think it makes sense then at a time when the government is looking to improve literacy that it supports all children and families to participate in quality ECE? Not only will it assist meet the literacy goals, but it will be more likely those children will stay longer and be more successful at school, and go on to paid employment. That’s got to be a positive investment in our future.