Early learning experiences are crucial for lifelong literacy and academic success, particularly for English-language learners. High-quality preschool programs support social skills, foster friendships, and establish a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
For years, research has emphasized the importance of a learner’s vocabulary size and background knowledge for later academic success and reading comprehension, respectively. According to the Knowledge Matters Campaign, a high-quality preschool curriculum should include:
- Compelling read-alouds: Covering science and social studies topics with targeted vocabulary.
- Diverse texts: Incorporating stories and informational texts.
- Academic vocabulary: Teaching related words and ideas.
- Extended activities: Reinforcing learning through individual and small-group activities.
Effective preschool programs focus on one high-interest topic for several weeks, which should feature related art and visuals. Teachers also engage students with read-alouds and discussions, gradually introducing and reinforcing a set of relevant vocabulary.
Susan Neuman, professor of Childhood and Literacy Education at New York University, and Lily Wong Fillmore, professor emerita at the University of California, Berkeley, both agree that “Strong readers are not born - they are built over time, and those efforts start in preschool.”
Hence, investing in high-quality preschool education that focuses on knowledge-building through engaging and content-rich academic programs can significantly impact children's academic paths, setting them up for success well beyond their early years.
Picture: Young children reading out loud in a classroom (ChildUp & DALL-E - 2022)
