What does the term "emergent literacy" refer to?

The term "emergent literacy" refers to the skills and knowledge that precede formal reading and writing. This concept encompasses a wide range of early literacy experiences that children partake in before they are formally taught to read and write. Emergent literacy includes various components such as print awareness, vocabulary development, phonemic awareness, and understanding the functions of written language.

Children begin developing emergent literacy skills from an early age through interactions with caregivers, exposure to books, storytelling, and engaging in conversations. These foundational skills set the stage for later literacy development, allowing children to make sense of the reading and writing they will encounter in school. Understanding emergent literacy is crucial for educators and parents as they strive to create rich learning environments that foster these early skills, promoting a love of reading and writing that benefits children throughout their educational journey.