How early should literacy skills be introduced?
Koppenhaver & Erickson (2003) conducted a study in North Carolina with preschool children with autism. They found that by providing a literacy rich environment for preschoolers with autism and severe communication impairments, the children increased their understanding and use of print materials and tools (without direct instruction, but in a tightly structured environment). By increasing natural opportunities for engagement with printed materials and writing tools, emergent literacy behaviors increased. What types of literacy programs are available? Comprehensive Literacy: The most popular method currently practiced is a comprehensive literacy approach. Many educators are using a 4 Blocks framework developed by Patricia Cunningham. The Blocks include: • Guided Reading to enhance comprehension • Self-Selected Reading to build fluency • Word Block to develop spelling and word decoding • Writing to teach how to write This method includes a phonics dimension, but does not focus on phonics
