You shouldn't have to choose between research-based literacy instruction and play.
 
The Early Literacy Shift: An Early Childhood Educator's Guide to Merging Research and Play shows early childhood educators how to bring the two together, turning literacy research into practical, joyful experiences that fit naturally into the preschool classroom.
 
Instead of adding more worksheets, drills, or disconnected activities to your day, you'll learn how to make the moments you're already creating more intentional.
 
Inside the book, you'll explore six foundational areas of early literacy:
• Oral language
• Phonological awareness
• Alphabet knowledge
• Concepts of print
• Early writing
• Text comprehension
 
You'll see what these foundational skills look like in real classrooms and discover practical ways to support them through play, movement, songs, stories, routines, and conversation.
 
Here's what you'll find inside:
✔ Practical ways to bring research-based literacy instruction into everyday classroom experiences
✔ Real classroom examples, including examples with children ages 2–5
✔ Teacher language you can use right away
✔ A clearer understanding of the foundational skills children need to become successful readers and writers
✔ Ways to intentionally support literacy through play, movement, songs, stories, routines, and conversation
✔ Reflection questions to help you think about and strengthen your own practice
 
Plus, a full appendix of ready-to-use tools:
✔ Science of Reading Self-Reflection Checklist
✔ Read It Again! 3-Day Read Aloud Framework for Ages 2–3 and Ages 4–5
✔ The Letter Cycle Framework
✔ Literacy-Rich Classroom Checklists for Ages 0–2 and Ages 3–5
✔ "Why Aren't They Just Playing?" Advocacy Guide for families, educators, and leaders
 
Free printable versions are included! Scan the QR code in the back of the book to access printable versions of the Appendix resources and a video library of playful learning in action, so you can try the activities in your own classroom and schools!
 
Who is this book for?
• Preschool and early childhood teachers and families
• Childcare and preschool directors
• Early childhood leaders and coaches
• Educators who want to better understand the research behind early literacy
• Anyone looking for a developmentally appropriate way to connect intentional instruction and play
 
The classroom examples throughout the book focus primarily on children ages 2–5, but the research and principles can support educators across the early learning years.
 
The Early Literacy Shift helps you understand the research and reasoning behind intentional early literacy so you can make stronger decisions about what, when, and how you teach.
 
Learn more here: www.movinglittleminds.com/early-literacy-shift
Because play matters. Joy matters. And intentional instruction matters too.