What does emergent literacy encompass?

Emergent literacy specifically refers to the developmental stage during which children begin to acquire the fundamental skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary for reading and writing. This encompasses a range of experiences and understandings that occur before formal reading and writing instruction. For instance, it includes recognizing letters, understanding that print carries meaning, and developing phonemic awareness—all crucial components that lay the groundwork for future literacy development.

The focus on skills, knowledge, and attitudes reflects the holistic approach necessary in nurturing young children's engagement with literacy, fostering not only their ability to decode words but also their motivation and confidence as emerging readers and writers. The other options mention advanced skills or knowledge that are not appropriate for this early developmental stage and do not align with the objectives of supporting young children's literacy journeys.