2: Emergent Literacy Foundations
- Page ID
- 216638
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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.
- 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.
- 2.1: Building the Foundation for Literacy - Oral Language
- This page highlights the critical role of oral language development in children's reading comprehension, emphasizing that vocabulary understanding is more important than alphabet instruction. It discusses emergent literacy behaviors, like pretend reading, and connects strong preschool oral skills to later reading success. The text asserts that vocabulary knowledge is essential for decoding and comprehension, suggesting that a lack of vocabulary hinders children's reading and academic performance.
- 2.2: The Importance of Hands-On Play
- This page explores the significance of creating supportive literacy environments in early childhood education through play-based experiences. Educators apply constructivist, sociocultural, and ecological theories to develop engaging activities that enhance children's language development, such as incorporating home experiences. Scenarios like "Prashant's Naan" illustrate how children use materials and social interactions to understand literacy.
- 2.3: Emergent Literacy
- This page highlights the importance of early literacy development for children aged birth to five. It showcases how children learn through play and interaction, emphasizing a strengths-based approach for educators. The text defines emergent literacy as the pre-reading and writing behaviors that occur before formal education, stressing the ongoing process of literacy acquisition from a young age.
- 2.4: Emergent Literacy Skills Progression
- This page discusses the National Literacy Panel's definition of literacy, emphasizing precursor and conventional skills in language development, reading, and writing. It highlights a vignette of children, Marvin and Maria, demonstrating emergent literacy through playful activities. Language development includes both receptive and expressive skills vital for literacy growth. Reading focuses on decoding and comprehension, while writing starts with scribbling, enabling visual communication.
- 2.5: Early Literacy Development Strategies
- This page discusses strategies for educators and families to enhance children's language and literacy skills, emphasizing oral language's importance. It introduces the Every Child Ready to Read (ECRR) Program, which encourages parental involvement in literacy. Central to this are five practices: Talk, Read, Write, Sing, and Play, that support early literacy. The Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy website is suggested for further insights into these practices.