What+is+Literacy?

=Developing Early Literacy=

Susan Hill in her discussion of early literacy defines literacy as 'reading, writing, speaking and listening, and involves the knowledge and skills required to engage in activities required for effective functioning in the community' (2006, p. 3). She also acknowledges that '[r]eading and writing begins at birth, and continues steadily as children develop' (2006, p.2). The rate of this development however may vary greatly as all children are different and develop at varying rates depending upon a number contributing factors. There are many different theories on the way in which children learn to read and write most effectively, with some believing that rote learning alone is sufficient, while others argue that children should be left alone to explore texts by themselves. Hill's book //Developing Early Literacy// emphasises three key ideas relating to early literacy learning being:
 * Adults scaffold children's learning
 * Children are active learners and problem solvers
 * Learning is connected to children's world's.

Teachers undoubtedly play a crucial role in children's literacy development and “effective teachers harness children's interests and plan an instuctional program to develop children's reading and writing” (2006, p. 2). The more enjoyable the learning is and relevant to the child themselves, the more likely they are to succeed and build upon their reading, writing, listening and oral language skills which are vital to be able to achieve goals and to be an active and effective participant in society.

I have attached a short video of my two and a half year old son Charlie reading one of his favorite storys "Time for Bed" by Mem Fox. Charlie is showing signs of being a Beginning/ Early Emergent Reader. He displays many of the attributes highlighted in Hill's table Figure 1.1 Phases in literacy development (2006, p. 6) being:

Handles a Book Turns the pages Looks at pictures Listens to book read aloud, joins in with book reading
 * Beginning**

Chooses favorite books, joins in with books read aloud, memorises rhymes and predictable books Turns the pages uses left to right directionality
 * Early-Emergent**

In a way the video is an example of what is referred to as rote learning, as we have read this story many times and he is now starting to memorise and repeat the story and finish off the sentences, even though he may not recognise or distinguish the different words in isolation - rather he knows the story off by heart.

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