What does 'emergent literacy' refer to?

Emergent literacy refers to the early stages of reading and writing development that occur before a child learns to read and write conventionally. This concept encompasses the skills, knowledge, and attitudes that children acquire as they interact with books and print in their environment. It includes understanding the functions of print, recognizing letters and words, and developing phonemic awareness, which is critical for later reading success.

The emphasis on skills and knowledge developed prior to conventional reading underscores the importance of nurturing literacy skills at a young age, allowing children to build a foundation that will support their future reading and writing abilities. By fostering emergent literacy through activities such as storytelling, shared reading, and play with print materials, educators and parents can help children become confident and capable readers as they progress to conventional reading skills.