Communication, Language, and Literacy

Personal Definition- Refers to how infants and toddlers learn to express themselves, understand others, and build the foundation for reading and writing. This includes nonverbal communication (like gestures and facial expressions), receptive language (understanding words and sounds), expressive language (using sounds, words, and sentences), and early literacy behaviors such as listening to stories, recognizing pictures, and exploring books. To support the KDI using materials such as board books, soft books, and puppets.

 

1.) Name of Activity: Little listeners, big voices

 

Originating Idea: Practicing early communication skills

 

Curriculum Area: Communication, Language, and literature- listening and responding- children listen and respond #16

 

Materials: Soft books, puppets/stuffed animals, musical toys, rattles, teachers voices

 

Appropriate Age group: Infants (0-12 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: Sit at babies level and make gentle eye contact 

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Encourage baby to reach out or follow along with their eyes

 

 

 

Middle: When a baby makes a sound, copy it back to them and a word 

  

 

 

Later Extension: Encourage movement by gently clapping their hands or swaying them from side to side

 

 

End of Activity: Allow infants time to process the transition and settle

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Echo talking

 

 

2.) Name of Activity: "words at my fingertips"

 

Originating Idea: Toddlers learn about print by seeing words

 

Curriculum Area: Communication, Language, and Literature- exploring print- children explore picture books and magazines #20

 

Materials: board book, textured ABC books, flash cards, labeled cards throughout the classroom, letter blocks, ABC puzzles, crayons, markers, large paper

 

Appropriate Age group: Toddlers (12-36 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: During large groups gather toddlers in the reading area with books, magazines, and labeled objects

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Provide books with textured letters, flaps, or interactive elements inside book

 

 

 

Middle: Place labeled objects around the room

  

 

 

Later Extension: Encourage toddlers to scribble, draw, or try making letters

 

 

End of Activity: Allow toddlers to choose a book to read/explore independently before snack time

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Stick word wall, word of the day/week, label and touch

 

3.) Name of Activity: "Sounds like fun"

 

Originating Idea: Babies learning to enjoy language

 

Curriculum Area: Communication, Language, and Literacy- enjoying language- children enjoy stories, rhymes, and songs #21

 

Materials: Scarves, puppets, mirrors, radio, soft board books

 

Appropriate Age group: Infants (0-12 months)

 

Beginning of Activity: Mimic coos and babbling to show you're listening to baby

 

Middle of Activity

 

Early Extension: Watch and respond to infant reactions such as smiles, sounds, or body movements

 

 

 

Middle: Use animated voice and different tones while reading for each page/character

  

 

 

Later Extension: Encourage baby to babble or coo while looking at themselves in the mirror

 

 

End of Activity: Provide individuals comfort to baby as needed before moving to the next routine

 

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Sound nature walk to listen for certain sounds outside