Language First, Then Literacy
When we think of school and learning, we often think of reading, writing and arithmetic. Consequently, it makes sense that when thinking about preparing children for school, we throw ourselves into encouraging children to identify letters, read words, and write neatly. However, there are many other skills that are imperative to the functioning of children in the classroom and school environment, and many of these are required by the child from the moment they begin school. It’s crucial that we ensure that these skills are developed, before focusing on literacy.
Language (understanding and talking), clear speech, and social communication are vital skills to have established prior to the commencement of school. For example, a teacher will expect a child to understand and follow multiple-step instructions, to have the awareness to ask for help if they are confused, and to have the language skills and clear speech to communicate this. Preschool is the time to consolidate these skills, and to identify when there are areas of difficulty so that each child can be best prepared for the school environment in its entirety.
As a brief guide, click here or on the image below, to discover the language, speech, and social communication milestones expected at the ages of 3 years, 4 years and 5 years.
If your child is enrolled at Only About Children, please speak with your Campus Director or Educators if you have any concerns that your child is not meeting an above-mentioned milestone. They may recommend completing a Health Request form to request a brief screening by the Speech Pathologist.
Learn more about how our Health & Preschool program can help your child prepare for school.
Related reads:
Is My Child Ready For School? | Only About Children (oac.edu.au)
Raising Bilingual Children | Only About Children (oac.edu.au)
Learning Through Play: The Importance of STEM In the Early Years – Only About Children (oac.edu.au)
Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.
Only About Children can help your child to grow, make friends and explore the world.
Related Reads
A Journey of Dedication: Nada's 28 Years at Only About Children Berwick Campus
After 28 years at OAC Berwick, Nada's journey reflects her passion and dedication in early childhood education. As a Serbian refugee, her story highlights resilience and commitment, shaping the foundation of her enduring legacy.
Language First, Then Literacy
When preparing children for school, it's common to focus on literacy skills like reading and writing. However, there are other crucial skills essential for success in the classroom. This article highlights the importance of developing language understanding, clear speech, and social communication skills before diving into literacy and the age-specific milestones for these vital skills.
