OAE Foundations of Reading (190)

Emergent literacy describes the reading and writing knowledge, skills, and attitudes that children develop before formal instruction. This perspective recognizes that literacy development begins at birth and progresses continuously rather than emerging suddenly when formal instruction begins.

Emergent literacy encompasses print awareness, phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, oral language, and concepts about stories and books. Children develop these understandings through interactions with print, conversations with caregivers, and experiences with books and literacy materials.

Environmental print provides early exposure to literacy. Children recognize logos, signs, and labels in their environment. This recognition demonstrates understanding that print carries meaning, though it relies heavily on context and does not indicate ability to decode.

Pretend reading occurs when children mimic reading behaviors, turning pages and narrating from memory or illustrations. This behavior demonstrates understanding of how reading works and familiarity with book language.

Emergent writing progresses from scribbling to letter-like forms to conventional letters. Children's writing attempts reveal developing understanding of print conventions, letter-sound relationships, and the purposes of writing.

Home literacy environment significantly influences emergent literacy development. Children benefit from access to books and writing materials, shared book reading, conversations about print and books, and observation of adults engaging in literacy activities.

Print concepts encompass the understandings about how print works that readers must develop. These concepts are foundational for beginning reading and are typically taught in early childhood and kindergarten.

Assessment of print concepts typically involves observation during shared reading and individual assessment using tools such as Marie Clay's Concepts About Print assessment. Teachers note whether students can identify book parts, demonstrate directionality, point to individual words, and recognize letters and punctuation.