What does emergent literacy refer to in a child's learning process?

Emergent literacy encompasses the foundational skills and understandings that children develop as they begin to interact with written language. The understanding of print and its functionality is a key component of emergent literacy, as it involves recognizing that print carries meaning and that it has specific features, such as letters, words, and sentences. This understanding lays the groundwork for later reading and writing skills by helping children make connections between spoken language and written text.

While writing their name, comprehending stories, and developing vocabulary are important aspects of literacy development, they are more advanced skills that build upon the foundational understanding of print. Emergent literacy focuses on the initial stages of learning about written language—the awareness and recognition of print, the ability to differentiate letters and words, and the concept that print is used for communication. Therefore, the understanding of print and its functionality is vital in facilitating a child's journey towards becoming proficient in reading and writing.