The interplay between literacy and relationships in early childhood settings

A key to supporting a child's emerging literacy is building relationships with adults and peers through interactions around literacy activities. The development of sustained relationships with adults who engage a child in authentic conversations increases the opportunities for the child to build literacy connections. Robust relationships with caring adults are especially important in meeting the social and emotional needs of children who may be unable to benefit from traditional, curriculum-driven, academic instruction. This article focuses on strategies that support social relationships around literacy learning in malleable environments that mold to the continually developing child, especially young children who struggle to learn the skills needed to read and write.