Research is clear, definitive, and explicit!  A child's oral language, both receptive and expressive, by age four is a reliable predictor of literacy success. We know that children from homes with limited conversation and narrow vocabulary will need lots of oral language development in order for beginning literacy instruction to make sense.

So, it's up to us to smother, inundate, and immerse our munchkins in oral language.  The good news?  Teaching oral language is  fun, kid-friendly, and can be imbedded into all the wonderful things you're already doing in your classroom.

In October, 2007, Scholastic published my  book, Developing Oral Language PreK -K.  It will give you a common sense approach to weaving oral language skills into your already jam-packed curriculum.  The book is full of specific strategies and activities teach the joy of language while addressing standards!

  In recent years, teachers and researchers in early childhood education have explored the topic of the changing kindergarten from various angles (Goldstein, 2007; Graue, 2001; Gullo, 2006; Hatch, 2005). At stake is figuring out how teachers can address the twin demands for increased levels of student performance and the implementation of a standardized c...(Read More)

For thirty years, I have been teaching and learning. Twenty-two years in a full day kindergarten classroom has validated what early childhood teachers know in their hearts: children love learning. I dedicated my teaching career to making sure that children also love school! I present locally, regionally, and nationally for over fifteen years, and was honored...(Read More)

  We all know that parent involvement is crucial to successful early learning, but it can be difficult to find the right language when asking for a parent's help. This letter helps you cover all the necessary topics to make sure that you're doing all that you can to make the student's school experience more fun and rewarding. _____________________________________________________________...(Read More)

What Did You Do Today?

When children come home 

At the end of the day,

There’s a question they’re asked

As they scurry to play.

"Tell me, what did you do in sc...(Read More)