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2: Emergent Literacy Foundations

  • Page ID
    216638
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    Overview

    Literacy development begins in infancy. Oral language and play-based experiences are the foundation to learning language and literacy. Children develop language and literacy skills through interactions with caregivers, family members, and older peers. This chapter will explore the connection between strong literacy skills and a solid foundation of language and vocabulary, how vital hands-on play experiences are to the development of language and literacy, and the progression of emergent literacy skills.

    Language and Vocabulary Foundation

    Strong literacy skills are strongly connected to a solid foundation of language and vocabulary. Language and vocabulary are the building blocks of literacy. Language and vocabulary are the tools children need to understand, interpret, and express ideas through communication, and eventually reading, writing. Children with a rich vocabulary and well-developed language skills are more likely to successfully develop literacy skills.

    Hands-on Play

    Hands-on play experiences are crucial for language development. Through play, children naturally engage in conversations, storytelling, and problem-solving, which promote language growth. These interactions during play help children expand their vocabulary, practice language structures, and develop communication skills, all of which contribute to literacy development.

    Emergent Literacy Skills

    Emergent literacy, emergent reading, and emergent writing skills are distinct but interconnected concepts. Emergent literacy encompasses the broad range of knowledge, skills, and attitudes that precede formal reading and writing. Emergent reading refers to the early stages of understanding that print carries meaning and the ability to recognize words and sounds. Emergent writing involves the initial attempts to express ideas through drawing, scribbling, and eventually forming letters and words.

    Purpose and Goals

    The goal of this chapter is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the foundational elements of literacy and language development in early childhood. The chapter aims to provide early childhood educators with the knowledge and strategies necessary to support the development of emergent literacy skills in young children, and the understanding of the critical role these early experiences play in shaping future academic success and language and literacy skills.

    Objectives
    • Summarize how strong literacy skill is directly connected to a solid foundation of language and vocabulary.
    • Describe the relationship between hands-on play experiences and language development.
    • Differentiate Among Emergent Literacy, Emergent Reading, and Emergent Writing Skills.
    • Identify the progression of the development of emergent literacy skills.
    • Describe strategies to utilize a variety of approaches to help young children develop phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, concepts about print, developmental writing skills, and fine motor development.


    2: Emergent Literacy Foundations is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Vicki Tanck (Northeast Wisconsin Technical College).