*Knowledge About Language Factors:
-Developing literacy has to do with developing the sociocultural discourses needed to effectively use language in a variety of situations.
-Their play reflects their approach in the real world.
-According to Vygotsky, "in play, a child always behaves beyond his average age..."
-Essentially, play naturally frees children to explore culturally patterned activities, which include language and literacy.
*Knowledge of Features, Formats, and Genres
-Experiencing these elements as they occur in real contexts allows for learning to really make sense, much more so than when these are presented to children in an isolated, standardized way.
*Knowledge of the Content Area
-Play places much value in fostering a deep understanding for content areas.
*A Context for Critical Reflection
-Even when we encourage children to choose how and what to ply, they may play in ways that replicate the social hierarchies they have observed in their world.
*A Context for Expanding Literacies
-Equip play areas with familiar reading and writing materials.
*Literacy-enriched Play Areas
-There are many different ways to set up and facilitate play centers.
Here are just a few ideas:
art gallery
post office
restaurant
grocery store
doctor's office
For more information, explore resources contributed by Gretchen Owocki.
