In Chall's reading stages, what is a key characteristic of the pre-reading stage?

Chall's reading stages outline the developmental progression of reading skills, and the pre-reading stage specifically focuses on the foundational concepts that precede formal reading instruction. A key characteristic of this stage is language appreciation and an awareness of printed text. During this phase, children begin to develop an understanding of the relationship between spoken and written language, which is essential for successful reading development.

At this stage, children engage with books, often through picture books and storytelling, which fosters their recognition of print and understanding of how texts convey meaning. They start to develop a curiosity about letters, words, and the act of reading, which paves the way for further literacy skills. This formative experience is crucial as it sets the groundwork for other reading skills that will be acquired in later stages.

In contrast, fluent reading of passages, understanding of phonemic awareness, and advanced vocabulary acquisition are characteristics associated with later stages of reading development. Fluent reading and advanced vocabulary, for instance, typically emerge after the pre-reading stage has been successfully navigated, indicating that these skills build upon the earlier comprehension and appreciation of language and print that occurs during the pre-reading phase.