Preparing children for excellence in learning literacy in the Early Years

Join us for a packed half-day of learning at the Oxford Department of Education, exploring the evidence around the central role of oral language and how it underpins early literacy. Prof Siraj will clarify how emergent literacy – what children learn before they have been taught through direct instruction – how to read and write, and the role of reading and books in developing firm foundations for early reading and writing. Writing is not just about teaching the skills of writing, but it is built on the foundations of oracy, play, and understanding of narrative, books, and the creative urge to write. Prof Siraj will highlight the key stages of both reading and writing and how teachers can understand and develop young children’s enthusiasm and skills for wanting to write and how to create environments that support this.

Programme

09:00-09:30     Registration and coffee

09:30–10:30     Oral language and how it underpins early literacy

10:30–11:30      Emergent literacy – what children need learn before they have been taught

11:30–11:45       Coffee break

11:45–12:45       Reading books – developing firm foundations in reading and writing

12:45–13:30      Lunch and networking