Nursery schools are crucial in laying the foundation for children’s academic success. During these early years, children are introduced to the building blocks of literacy and numeracy, leading them to become confident readers, writers, and mathematicians. Let’s explore how American primary school develops literacy and numeracy skills and why it is essential for children’s educational journey.
Language and vocabulary development:
Nursery schools focus on developing language skills, which are the bedrock of literacy. Children expand their language abilities through daily interactions, storytelling, and exposure to a rich vocabulary. They learn new words, develop listening and speaking skills, and begin to understand the structure and patterns of language. This strong language foundation forms the basis for reading and writing proficiency in later years.
Phonics and phonological awareness:
Nursery schools incorporate phonics instruction, teaching children the relationship between letters and sounds. Children start to decode words and build their reading skills by introducing letter recognition and the sounds they represent. Additionally, nursery schools emphasize phonological awareness—the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words. Activities like rhyming games, sound blending, and segmenting strengthen children’s phonemic awareness, which is vital for reading and spelling.
Emergent reading skills:
Nursery schools foster emergent reading skills, which include print awareness and comprehension. Children learn that print carries meaning and understand the basic features of a book, such as reading from left to right and top to bottom. They engage in read-aloud sessions, story discussions, and interactive storytelling, developing comprehension skills and a love for books. Nursery schools create a print-rich environment where children are surrounded by books, labels, and writing materials, encouraging independent exploration and reading.
Emergent writing skills:
Nursery schools support the development of emergent writing skills. Children are given opportunities to scribble, draw, and make marks, gradually progressing into letter formations and simple words. Through these early writing experiences, children learn that their thoughts and ideas can be communicated through writing. Nursery schools also encourage fine motor development as children practice holding writing tools and tracing shapes, enhancing their writing readiness.
Number sense and counting:
Nursery schools introduce numeracy skills by developing children’s number sense and counting abilities. Children learn to recognize and name numbers, understand the concept of quantity, and engage in counting activities. They explore and manipulate objects, sorting and grouping them based on attributes like size, shape, and color. Nursery schools incorporate math manipulative, such as blocks, puzzles, and counting games, to make learning engaging and hands-on.
