Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
SCENARIO
EDRD 630 PBA
Meghan Williams
Fall 2014
What is Emergent Literacy?
Emergent literacy is the theory that children can acquire
literacy before entering school.
Children have knowledge of reading and writing before
they know how to read and write actual words.
Their literacy skills can be developed and shown through
language, reading, writing, and listening.
Adults act as models to help develop early literacy skills.
Literacy is developed in a natural setting.
Elements of Emergent Literacy
Oral Vocabulary
Phonological Awareness
Phonemic Awareness
Concept of Print
Alphabet Knowledge
Historical Perspectives on
Emergent Literacy Principles
Conditioned Learning (1950-1965)
The Era of Natural Learning (1966-1975)
Sociocultural Learning (1986-1995)
Engagement (1995-Present)
Relationship of Emergent Literacy with Other
Major Literacy Theories
Linguistic Approach
Whole Language Approach
Vygotskian Perspective
Motivational Theory
Balanced Literacy
Emergent Literacy Compared with Reading Readiness
Children can learn literacy before school Waits until the child is ready to
age learn
Children already have literacy skills at a Reading is too difficult a skill for
young age, but they are not fully children at a young age
developed Children need prerequisite skills
Literacy is more than decoding. It is the before learning to read
whole act of reading. Mental readiness focus
Problem Solving/Child-centered Rote memorization, drills, practices
How the Principles of Emergent Literacy
Contribute to a Students
Writing Process
(social, cognitive and physical processes)
Children are capable of learning to write at a young age
(cognitive, physical)
Scribbles and invented spellings show knowledge of
writing and attempts to match spoken word to print
(cognitive)
Children learn the purpose of writing before they learn
how to write (cognitive)
How the Principles of Emergent Literacy
Contribute to a Students
Writing Process (continued)
Adults model writing through lists, letters, and notes
Social interaction is important when learning to write and
express ideas
Teachers acknowledge early signs of writing and provide
instruction based on individual needs
Teachers scaffold and differentiate to meet the needs of
all young writers
How the Principles of Emergent Literacy
Contribute to a Students
Reading Process
(social, cognitive and physical processes)