Early Childhood Literacy

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that more and more administrators and social theorists are recognizing that culture influences literacy as do societal changes that dictate what knowledge is and how it should be acquired. The author points out that literacy is much more than reading including early experiences such as playing with other children, shopping and even changing the channel on the television. The paper relates that the key is that parents actively engage their children during activities, asking them questions about their activity and encouraging children to communicate their interpretations, feelings and attitudes about various events.

Table of Contents
Observations of Family and Home
Literacy as a Social Practice
Contexts for Learning
Interpretations

From the Paper:

"Studies suggest that literacy is a multi-dimensional function and that children who are more literate are more likely to experience multiple forms of literacy in their homes and communicate frequently with members of their household in various ways. Other studies suggest that literacy draws from social practice suggesting that critical literacy is influenced by socio-cultural factors, and that children learn or acquire their literacy ability as they take part in every day social activities and practices including playing, commuting, viewing TV, and engaging in other activities with their families."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Arthur, L. (2001). "Young children as critical consumers." Australian Journal of Language and Literacy, 24(3): 182.
• Luke, A. (1993). "The social construction of literacy in the primary school," in, L. Unsworth (ed.), Literacy Learning and Teaching, New York: Macmillan.
• Makin, L., Hayden, J., Holland, A., Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Diaz, J. & McNaight, M. (1999). "Mapping literacy practices in early childhood services." Sydney: NSW Department of Education and Training

More papers on Early Childhood Literacy :

• Article Review # 135198 : "Review of Article on Early Childhood Literacy by Hay and Fielding-Barnsley"
• Analytical Essay # 136251 : "Early Childhood Literacy"
• Book Review # 120091 : "Literary Works on Early Childhood Education"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: