Development of Key Literacy Skills in Early Childhood Education

The 2016 curricular reform in Slovakia provided a unique opportunity to compare children who followed the previous early childhood curriculum with those who attended preschool after the successful implementation of the new preschool curriculum. Our book based on research in ecologically valid preschool environments offers a unique perspective on literacy development in the context of the national reform implementation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 132 pages
Publication date: 23 March 2023
Publisher: Peter Lang AG

The 2016 curricular reform in Slovakia provided a remarkable opportunity to compare children who had followed the previous early childhood curriculum with those who attended preschool after the successful implementation of the new preschool curriculum. Our book is grounded in extensive research conducted within the ecologically valid environment of Slovak preschools, offering a distinctive perspective on literacy development within the context of a national reform initiative that profoundly impacted educational practices.

The study aimed to explore the impact of the new preschool curriculum on children's literacy development in Slovakia. It involved a comprehensive analysis of data collected from a sample of preschools across the country. The research team employed a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to gather information from teachers, parents, and children.

The findings of the study revealed significant positive effects of the new preschool curriculum on children's literacy development. The children who attended preschool after the implementation of the new curriculum showed improved language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension. They also demonstrated greater interest in reading and writing and exhibited better fine motor skills, which are essential for early literacy development.

Moreover, the study found that the new preschool curriculum had a positive impact on children's social and emotional development. The children were more confident, independent, and socially engaged, which are important skills for building strong relationships and succeeding in school.

The findings of this research have important implications for policymakers, educators, and parents in Slovakia. They highlight the importance of investing in early childhood education and providing children with a high-quality preschool curriculum that supports their literacy development and overall well-being.

In conclusion, the 2016 curricular reform in Slovakia presented a unique opportunity to examine the impact of a new preschool curriculum on children's literacy development. The findings of the study demonstrate that the new curriculum had a positive and significant effect on children's language skills, interest in reading and writing, and social and emotional development. These results highlight the importance of investing in early childhood education and providing children with the necessary resources to succeed in school and beyond.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783631886458
Edition number: New ed