The development of a Polish pre-literacy manual based on action research evidence

Abstract

There is a quantity of research in English speaking countries into the relationship between early oral language concepts and literacy. The research described in this paper attempted to transfer to the Polish language context the knowledge developed in English speaking countries on pre-literacy developmental norms. The aim of the study was also to increase children’s educational chances through an intervention program addressing pre-literacy concept deficit. As part of the research into Polish pre-literacy developmental norms and the teacher development program, a resource book was created with preliteracy concepts and activities sequenced developmentally according to current knowledge about how Polish children develop their skills in these areas. The textbook developed from a collaborative process between the researchers and pre-school teachers during the collection of pre-literacy developmental norm data and regular collaborative workshops focused of planning and implementing intervention programs with the use of explicit methodologies and formative assessment.