<p> [H1]CHECKLIST: CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING A CLASSROOM LITERACY ENVIRONMENT</p><p>There are hundreds of ideas and beliefs that can contribute to the ideal setting for fostering the literacy of young children. The following criteria can be used as a starting point in the development of such a setting or as an observational guide when observing a setting that already exists.</p><p> The environment is rich with an assortment of visual and auditory examples of language.</p><p> There are opportunities to see, hear, and create language communications.</p><p> The adults in the setting continuously model the appropriate use of effective language.</p><p> Children are reinforced for both their use and attempted use of language.</p><p> There are multiple opportunities for children to use a variety of language modalities throughout the day.</p><p> Story reading and storytelling are regular activities each day.</p><p> There is a large number of books available for children to use.</p><p> Books are displayed in an inviting manner.</p><p> There are a number of places within the setting for children to use books both in groups and by </p><p> themselves.</p><p> Adults in the setting model the use of books and reading.</p><p> Books in the setting reflect the language, interests, and development of the children.</p><p> There are enough adults in the setting to share stories with individual children and in small groups on a </p><p> frequent basis.</p><p> There are both opportunities and materials available for children to respond to stories (e.g., paper, </p><p> crayons, props, puppets).</p><p> The physical arrangement of the setting supports literacy (e.g., quiet areas, place for group sharing, </p><p> comfortable chairs).</p><p> The adults exhibit an enthusiasm for reading and stories.</p><p> There are provisions for multiple ways of sharing and creating stories (e.g., flannelboards, puppets).  Parents are involved in the program in a meaningful ongoing manner.</p><p> There is regular two-way communication between home and center regarding children's literacy </p><p> development.</p><p> Television and computers are carefully monitored and never used as a substitute for meaningful </p><p> language interaction.</p><p> Opportunities exist for child to child interaction.</p><p> Technology is used as a means to achieve literacy rather than an end in itself.</p><p> Aggressive behavior is addressed in a developmentally appropriate manner.</p><p> Language as a problem solving tool is modeled by the adults.</p><p> There is a sense or feeling that language is integrated in the entire environment.</p>