Emerging Literacy & English

What is it?

“Emerging Literacy has been created to support practitioners to effectively differentiate early literacy learning by matching the teaching and learning of literacy, language and communication to the needs of each child. Informed by the developmental knowledge of Educational Psychologists (EPs), Occupational Therapists (OTs) and Speech and Language Therapists (S&LTs), Emerging Literacy has classified the many foundational reading and writing skills into four key skill areas: concepts of print, oral language, phonological awareness and pre-handwriting.

Years of international research has identified foundational skill areas which predict literacy attainment, not just in the first year in school but into later primary and beyond. It is a simple fact that children come into school with a wide range of levels and security of these skills – some of which may be due to previous learning experience, but much is related to normal (biological) variation in development.

Taking a developmental approach to Emerging Literacy supports practitioners to identify the strengths and gaps of each learner within these key skill areas as well as providing planning support to address the identified skill gaps.”

(Taking a developmental approach to Emerging Literacy: Frequently Asked Questions – July 2017, Highland Literacy, 2017)