Emergent Literacy Scenario Elizabeth Rente EDRD 630 George Mason University

Components of Emergent Literacy Child’s observation of the world Child’s behaviors Home and school environment Language processes Cognitive processes

Child’s Observations of the World… They start developing a sense of humor Children are assertive and often bossy Start becoming social with groups and not just with individuals

Child’s Observations of the World…Related to a Theory The schema and scaffolding theories (Vygotsky) apply best with how emergent learners view the world. They observe the adults and children around them and then with proper scaffolding, use their schema to apply prior knowledge.

Child’s Observations of the World…In the Classroom Some appropriate activities for children in this stage of development: Role Play (dramatic play) Having a role as a helper in the classroom or school community Opportunities to socialize with classmates and do group work.

Child’s Behaviors Children are inquisitive They like to explore and solve problems Working on fine and gross motor skills

Child’s Behaviors…Related to a Theory The Constructivist Theory (Piaget and Vygotsky) and the Motivation Theory for learning apply most to the behaviors that children exhibit.

Child’s Behaviors…In the Classroom In the classroom, children should have access to: Puzzles and games Activities that help develop fine and gross motor skills (cutting) Opportunities to write (scribble)

Home and School Environment Children learn through socializing or social interactions Labeling items is important Instructed by an adult, parents/teachers.

Home and School Environment… Related to a Theory The Constructivist Theory (Vygotsky) supports the learning of children both at home and in school environments. According to Vygotsky all types of mental functions are acquired through social relationships.

Home and School Environment…In the Classroom Children should have access to books that explore diversity and culture Parents/Teachers should also read aloud about different cultures and ethnic backgrounds Label items and refer to environmental print.

Language Processes Children move through different stages of the language process.

Language Processes…Related to a Theory The Behaviorist Theory (Skinner) states that adults provide a model for language and that children learn through imitation. Positive reinforcement is also essential in the acquisition of language

Language Processes…In the Classroom Children should be provided with the following opportunities Partner reading with peers Talking with peers about books that were read Sharing stories that were done in writer’s workshop

Cognitive Processes There are stages in the process The emergent learner is typically in the Preoperational Stage (Piaget) Language develops and child begins to organize their world. Thinking is concrete

Cognitive Processes…Related to a Theory The Constructivist Theory (Vygotsky) can be used to explain the learning process of an emergent learner Prior knowledge needs to be activated for learning to be beneficial Children are social learners

Cognitive Processes…In the Classroom Children should: Interact in their own environment Experiment with and use language Classify object by different attributes Read books aloud

References Morrow, L.M. Literacy Development in the Early Years. Pearson Education Inc. 2009. Mason, J.M., Sinha, S. (1993). Emerging literacy in the early childhood years: Applying a Vygotskian model of learning and development. Handbook of research on the education of young children, 10,137-150.