Write an explanation of how phonological and phonemic awareness relates to literacy development in young children.

Early childhood educators must be fluent in their knowledge of literacy skills in order to effectively communicate the information to families and colleagues and ultimately teach literacy to young children. Phonological and phonemic awareness are essential to developing literacy and must be shared with families and colleagues. 

• Definitions of phonological and phonemic awareness.
• Explanation of how phonological and phonemic awareness relates to literacy development in young children.
• Description of how early reading development is related to early literacy skills (print concepts, letter naming, vocabulary, phonological awareness, listening, speaking, and comprehension).
• For each of the early literacy skills including print concepts, letter naming, vocabulary, phonological awareness, listening, speaking, and comprehension provide one example of a small group activity that can be used to teach each skill. Describe how each activity can be modified to meet the needs of students with exceptional needs.