Alphabet Knowledge and the Importance of Literacy

I have been challenged by McLachlan & Arrow (2014) after reading their article on Promoting alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness in low socioeconomic child care settings: A quasi experimental study in five New Zealand centers.  The authors raised my level of thinking about my own personal development needs in teaching reading.  McLachlan & Arrow (2014) reiterated what Nuttall (2005) shared as important things for teachers to consider:  “Three main things shape curriculum decision making: teachers’ initial training; their awareness of different curricula and theories; and their conception of their own role” (p. 820). 

As you read through this article, you will be reminded of a few Early Childhood Courses that exclusively taught on the importance of literacy.  Yet, as this article points out, many certified preschool teachers are not properly skilled in the alphabet principle in literacy acquisition, phoneme and phonemic awareness, (McLachlan & Arrow, 2014 p. 821).  This article suggests more time is needed for professional development in order for teachers to teach reading properly.  Are you confident in your ability to teach reading considering its importance in cognitive child development?  List curriculum and personal development training that has helped you to become confident in teaching literacy in primary grades.

McLachlan, C., & Arrow, A. (2014). Promoting alphabet knowledge and phonological awareness in low socioeconomic child care settings: A quasi experimental study in five New Zealand centers. Reading And Writing: An Interdisciplinary Journal, 27(5), 819-839.