Teacher Resources - Handbooks

Early Literacy Framework

In 1998, the National Reading Council published the report, Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children. The report included three main findings for preschool age children.

  1. When families and caregivers promote language development and literacy, fewer children experience reading difficulties as they enter kindergarten and first grade.
  2. Excellent preschools can make a difference.
  3. Early preschool language ability is one of the most powerful predictors of reading success or failure among first and second graders.

The report also included eight recommendations for the preschool years:

  1. Provide a print rich environment and encourage children to take notice and discuss things that are in print format.
  2. Read books aloud and discuss with the child.
  3. Provide writing materials and encourage their use in different kinds of play.
  4. Encourage dramatic and pretend play and link to literacy activities.
  5. Let the child see adults read, write and locate Internet information.
  6. Encourage the development of phonological awareness.
  7. Help the child become familiar with letter identification, letter-sound associations and print concepts.
  8. Encourage the use of invented spelling to further the child’s knowledge of alphabet sounds and common spelling.

The CPS Early Literacy Framework was developed from the above findings and recommendations, and based on early childhood research: 

  • Provides teachers with an activities framework to help children develop emergent literacy skills. 
  • Emphasizes importance of documenting and assessing children’s learning. 
  • Use of this ongoing, authentic classroom based assessment allows teachers to become informed and plan instruction to meet individual children’s needs. 
  • Includes resources, and home and community connections to extend literacy learning outside the classroom.

Early Literacy Framework – Preface, Mission, & Introduction (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework – State Goal 1 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework – State Goal 2 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– State Goal 3 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– State Goal 4 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– State Goal 5 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– State Goal 28 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– State Goal 30 (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– Resources (PDF)

Early Literacy Framework– Appendix A-D (PDF)