Tuesday, 13 May 2025

 
Literacy and numeracy development can be significantly improved through various strategies. Literacy strategies include explicit instruction, read-aloud, and encouraging literacy at homeNumeracy strategies involve using number lines, patterns, and hundred charts to build number sense and problem-solving skills. Early intervention and lifelong learning are also crucial for both literacy and numeracy development. A significant component of structured learning is added for literacy and numeracy for
 grades 1 and 2.It is important to ensure that the curriculum for children of ages
 3 -6 onwards must be planned in a way that builds on children's capacities of that 
particular age and leads to formal learning .

Here are effective strategies for promoting literacy and numeracy in the Foundational Stage (typically ages 3–8):

Literacy Strategies

1. Phonemic Awareness Activities

Use songs, rhymes, and clapping games to help children hear, identify, and manipulate sounds.

2. Print-Rich Environment

Label objects around the classroom.

Create word walls and have books readily accessible.

3. Shared Reading and Storytelling

Read aloud with expression and ask predictive and inferential questions.

Encourage children to retell stories using puppets or drawings.

4. Alphabet and Vocabulary Games

Use magnetic letters, matching games, and puzzles to build recognition.

5. Writing Opportunities

Provide journals, writing centers, and activities like drawing and labeling to promote early writing.

6. Language Modeling

Teachers and caregivers model correct language usage, expand on children’s sentences, and introduce new vocabulary.



Numeracy Strategies

1. Hands-On Manipulatives

Use blocks, counters, beads, and everyday objects to teach counting, sorting, and patterning.

2. Number Talks

Have short, daily discussions about numbers, encouraging children to explain their thinking.


3. Math in Daily Routines

Count steps, snacks, or classroom items to reinforce number sense naturally.


4. Play-Based Learning

Include math in pretend play: shops (money), cooking (measuring), and building (shapes and sizes).


5. Visual Aids and Charts

Use number lines, calendars, and shape charts to reinforce concepts.


6. Interactive Games and Technology

Incorporate simple digital apps or board games that focus on early math skills.






LITERACY STRATEGIES (CBSE – Foundational Stage)

1. Oral Language Development

Encourage listening and speaking through songs, rhymes, storytelling, and show-and-tell.

Use mother tongue or familiar language alongside English to build vocabulary and comprehension.

2. Phonemic Awareness

Teach sounds of letters (not just names), using phonics-based activities.

Blend and segment sounds through fun games and story-based learning.

3. Print Awareness

Create a print-rich environment with labeled objects, charts, and word walls.

Use big books, flashcards, and picture dictionaries during read-aloud sessions.

4. Reading Readiness

Use picture books and story cards to build comprehension.

Introduce decodable readers once basic phonics are mastered.


5. Writing Readiness

Activities to develop fine motor skills: tracing, drawing, pattern writing.

Gradually move to copying letters, writing names, and forming words.



NUMERACY STRATEGIES (CBSE – Foundational Stage)

1. Number Sense

Counting using real-life objects, fingers, beads, and songs.

Match numerals with quantities (1:1 correspondence).


2. Comparing and Classifying

Use sorting activities based on color, shape, size.

Engage in "more or less", "big and small" games.


3. Patterns and Sequencing

Encourage recognition of repeating patterns in toys, nature, clothing.

Use rhythmic claps or movement games to internalize sequencing.


4. Spatial Understanding

Teach prepositions (on, in, under), shapes, and directions through play.

Activities like building with blocks or drawing paths help spatial skills.

5. Measurement and Time

Use real objects to explore length, height, and weight.

Introduce calendar time and concepts like "morning", "today", "yesterday".

CBSE Pedagogical Approaches to Support Both

Play-based and experiential learning (e.g., pretend shops, cooking, nature walks).

Integration with Art and Physical Education (draw letters, hopscotch with numbers).

Group activities and peer interaction to encourage communication and collaboration.

Emergent reading refers to the early stages of learning to read, typically seen in young children before they can read independently. It involves developing foundational skills that support future reading success.

Key Features of Emergent Reading:

1. Print Awareness: Understanding that print has meaning, recognizing print in the environment (like signs or labels).


2. Book Handling Skills: Knowing how to hold a book, turn pages, and follow text from left to right and top to bottom.


3. Listening Comprehension: Engaging with stories read aloud and showing understanding through reactions or answers.


4. Story Sense: Understanding that stories have a beginning, middle, and end.


5. Letter Knowledge: Recognizing letters and beginning to associate them with sounds.


6. Phonological Awareness: Awareness of sounds in language, such as rhyming, syllables, and beginning sounds.


7. Vocabulary Development: Learning new words through conversations and read-aloud.



Activities to Support Emergent Reading:

Read-Aloud with picture books and interactive discussions.

Shared Reading using big books or charts where children can see and track the print.

Name Games to help children recognize letters and sounds in their names.

Rhymes and Songs to develop phonological awareness.

Environmental Print Hunts where children identify signs, logos, or labels.

Picture Sequencing activities to understand story structure.

Alphabet Games for letter and sound recognition.



 The Four Blocks approach is a literacy framework that divides a primary-grade language arts block into four distinct areas: Guided Reading, Self-Selected Reading, Writing, and Working with WordsThis approach aims to provide a balanced and engaging literacy instruction by incorporating diverse learning strategies and activities for students. 
Here's a more detailed look at each block:
  • Guided Reading:
    This block focuses on small group instruction where students read a specific book with the teacher's guidance, focusing on reading comprehension, vocabulary, and strategies. 
  • Self-Selected Reading:
    Students choose books of their own interest and read independently, promoting a love for reading and building reading stamina. 
  • Writing:
    Students engage in various writing activities, such as journaling, narrative writing, or informational writing, to develop their writing skills and explore different genres. 
  • Working with Words:
    This block focuses on phonics, vocabulary building, and word study activities to enhance students' understanding of language and improve their reading and writing skills. 


By integrating these four blocks, our approach provides a comprehensive and flexible literacy program that caters to the diverse learning needs of students. The children in Foundational stage are very tender .They will grasp very quickly if the educator is innovative .Let us be creative and make learning joyful .
Neelam Chopra 
CBSE  RP108440
COE AJMER