What is emergent literacy?

• A. Emergent literacy is the early stage of learning about reading and writing before formal instruction begins.
• B. Emergent literacy is only about recognizing numbers.
• C. Emergent literacy refers to advanced reading comprehension.
• D. Emergent literacy is the ability to write essays in college.

Answer: (A)

Emergent literacy is the early stage of learning about reading and writing before formal instruction begins. It involves a child’s growing awareness that print carries meaning, that letters connect to sounds, and that books are a way to share ideas. In this phase kids explore books, pretend to read, scribble or imitate writing, sing rhymes, and expose themselves to letter shapes and sounds in everyday activities. These experiences build the foundation for later decoding, fluency, and comprehension. Recognizing numbers or tackling advanced comprehension, and writing essays in college, come much later and are not part of emergent literacy.