Early learning includes many areas; however, the area of literacy is basic to math, science, social, and cultural development. Therefore, balanced literacy learning is crucial in the early grades. From speaking and concepts of print to vocabulary and phonics, comprehension of each level is an important skill.
Activities I have used for students in both Kindergarten and ECSE classrooms include multi-sensory, hands-on exploration as well as direct instruction with purposeful, related experiences. Various elements of literacy are addressed throughout curriculum standards, and I believe each skill scaffolds from motivation, expressive and receptive vocabulary, and concepts students have upon entering my class.
When developing a lesson plan or unit, I focus first on the target skill and then consider the topic or theme of the unit. I also consider the needs of the developing student which can vary widely in the early grades.
One of my favorite lessons involves driving a toy car between sound units as the class blends the sounds into a word! (I saw this on a Whole-Brain teaching site and loved it) This lesson includes shapes, counting, science, and motor skills as well as literacy!