1. Emergent Literacy Scenario
Elizabeth Rente
EDRD 630
George Mason University

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

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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)

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. References
Morrow, L.M. Literacy Development in the Early Years. Pearson Education Inc
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,