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

: Techniques for providing rich linguistic input through purposeful use of advanced words and expanding on a child’s own utterances.

The oral language and emergent literacy skills of preschoolers - PMC

: Training in strategies like rhyming games and syllable clapping to help children recognize and work with sounds in spoken language.

: Using songs and poetry to promote sound discrimination and word play, which are critical pre-reading skills. Professional Development Delivery Models

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

: Labeling classroom items, displaying alphabet walls, and providing accessible reading and writing centers to make literacy a natural part of the day.