Why it matters
- Early literacy skills predict long-term academic success.
- Strong early instruction reduces need for costly later interventions.
- Print awareness is a foundational skill for reading proficiency.
What the evidence shows
- Explicit instruction leads to stronger literacy outcomes than implicit approaches.
- Both schools and families can effectively support early literacy.
- Consistent, short-duration instruction produces meaningful gains.
- Whole-class instruction is effective when paired with intentional strategies like shared reading.
Policy and systems priorities
- Support explicit, systematic literacy instruction in early childhood settings.
- Fund professional development and coaching for educators.
- Encourage family engagement programs that support literacy at home.
- Adopt or supplement curricula with clear literacy scope and sequence.
What to watch for
- Curricula that rely heavily on “exposure” without explicit teaching
- Beliefs that explicit instruction is not developmentally appropriate
- Limited teacher training in early literacy practices
Equity considerations
- Explicit instruction benefits:
- Multilingual learners
- Students with disabilities
- Children at risk of reading difficulties
- Ensure access to high-quality instruction across all early learning settings
- Provide resources for both schools and families
Key takeaway
Effective systems prioritize intentional, explicit early literacy instruction, supported by training, resources, and family partnerships.
The information provided in this summary is based on findings from Evidence-Based Instructional Practices to Support the Development of Print Awareness and Concepts of Print in Preschool-Aged Children: A Systematic Review.
