: Learning how to help children understand the function and characteristics of written language, such as recognizing letters and understanding that print carries meaning.

The oral language and emergent literacy skills of preschoolers - PMC

Research suggests that workshops alone may have mixed results; the most effective PD often includes:

: Setting up thematic areas like a "grocery store" or "post office" where children can "write" lists or "read" menus in a functional context.

Effective professional learning communities often structure their training around these four key pillars:

Emergent literacy refers to the foundational skills—such as , print knowledge , and phonological awareness —that children develop from birth through preschool, serving as the "bedrock" for future reading and writing. High-quality professional development (PD) is essential for educators to move from incidental exposure to intentional teaching that significantly improves child outcomes. Core Training Modules for Educators