The Prereading Stage
The prereading stage, also known as the emergent literacy stage, is a crucial period in a child’s early literacy development. This stage typically occurs between birth and age 5, before formal reading instruction begins. During this time, children develop foundational skills that will support their future reading abilities.
Key aspects of the prereading stage include:
Print awareness: Understanding that print carries meaning and recognizing basic features of books
Phonological awareness: Recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken language
Letter knowledge: Identifying letters and their corresponding sounds
Vocabulary development: Building a foundation of words and their meanings
Oral language skills: Developing listening comprehension and expressive language abilities
Parents and educators play a crucial role in supporting children during the prereading stage. Activities such as reading aloud, engaging in word play, and providing a print-rich environment can significantly enhance a child’s emergent literacy skills.