TO PROMOTE LITERACY

To Promote Literacy

To Promote Literacy

What is Literacy? According to dictionary.com, to be literate means to be able to read and write, to be well read or to have knowledge or skill in a specific field. Emergent literacy begins in the very early stages of childhood, and is the beginning of literacy development, involving such activities as 'reading' from pictures and 'writing' with scribbles. 'Reading' a book from memory while turning the pages of the book, develops a child's understanding of books and stories, as well as giving them a sense of accomplishment and pride, and is an important step towards becoming an independent reader (Emerson, 2003). Even before babies begin to babble or say their first word, they are beginning to develop skills necessary to learn how to talk and read. Through gestures, facial expressions and body language, they begin to communicate and participate in 'conversations' with their caregivers. (http://www.ed.gov/inits/americareads/educators_early.html)

“Literacy includes the development of communication skills as well as thinking skills” (Carwile, p.16, 2003). Literacy is not just the acts of reading and writing, it is communication with others, whether it be through pictures, oral, written, electronic, or visual language. Being literate means to be able to communicate well with others in some way. It is therefore very important for children to learn about. (Carwile, 2003) One of the principles of TeWhariki is that of communication. Language is a very important part of communication, and is not just oral, but includes pictures, music, movement, mathematics, rhythm and more. Developing an understanding of and competence in their mother tongue is a major task for children. Not only are they learning to communicate with others in many different ways, but they are also learning to interpret the ways in which others communicate and express their experiences. Adults should understand and encourage both verbal and non-verbal communication styles. (Ministry of Education, 1996). Using pictures and gestures often helps children to better understand what their caregivers are trying to communicate to them.

Being literate allows us to maintain our cultural identity. Being literate allows us to be able to pass on our culture to others through reading, writing or telling stories, and allows others to gain an understanding of our cultural ways. Culture is very much an important part of who a person is, and should be an important part of every centre. It should affect the type of resources provided, and the environment of the centre. (http://www.dmmh.no/index.php?ID=468). TeWhariki stresses the importance of an environment where children experience the stories and symbols of their own culture, and those of others, especially that children develop an appreciation of Te Reo as a living and relevant language. (MoE, p.72, & p.76, 1996). Every early childhood centre in New Zealand should have a strong emphasis on the Maori language and culture, including stories, signs, arts, and experiences in their program. It is important for young children in New Zealand to be able to speak and understand some basic maori words, such as toilet, eat, stop and listen, ...