, EML1501 ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO
DUE DATE: 5 NOVEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Lesedi’s literacy state (5)
Lesedi is clearly in the emergent literacy stage of development. At only three years old he
already shows a range of early literacy behaviours that go far beyond simple play. He treats
a book as something that carries meaning by “reading” the pictures, inventing a coherent
story about himself and his sister going to school, and responding appropriately to his
mother’s questions. He also produces marks on the floor with a stick, assigns names to
those marks, and can tell a story about what he has drawn. These actions demonstrate that
he understands that pictures and marks can represent ideas and that language can be
used to communicate those ideas. According to the study guide, emergent literacy is the
period before conventional reading and writing in which children develop the foundational
knowledge, skills and attitudes that will later support formal literacy (EML1501 Study Guide:
pg-4). Lesedi’s behaviours fit this description perfectly.
1.2 Influence of Lesedi’s home background on his literacy state (5)
Although Lesedi lives in an informal settlement where material resources are scarce—no
toys, no money for preschool and limited books—his home environment still provides
important support for literacy development. The presence of his older sister Mpho and the
active interest shown by his mother create a social setting in which language and literacy
practices can flourish. Shared imaginary school play, joint attention to a picture book,
questioning by the mother, and positive feedback (smiling and congratulating) all supply the
rich oral language interaction and emotional encouragement that the study guide identifies
as crucial features of a supportive home environment (EML1501 Study Guide: pg-12).
These interactions compensate for the lack of commercial toys and formal educational
materials, showing that the quality of human interaction is more important than material
wealth in the early stages of emergent literacy.
1.3 Literacy state displayed when he scribbled on the floor (5)
When Lesedi picked up a stick and began scribbling on the floor, then gave names to his
DUE DATE: 5 NOVEMBER 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Lesedi’s literacy state (5)
Lesedi is clearly in the emergent literacy stage of development. At only three years old he
already shows a range of early literacy behaviours that go far beyond simple play. He treats
a book as something that carries meaning by “reading” the pictures, inventing a coherent
story about himself and his sister going to school, and responding appropriately to his
mother’s questions. He also produces marks on the floor with a stick, assigns names to
those marks, and can tell a story about what he has drawn. These actions demonstrate that
he understands that pictures and marks can represent ideas and that language can be
used to communicate those ideas. According to the study guide, emergent literacy is the
period before conventional reading and writing in which children develop the foundational
knowledge, skills and attitudes that will later support formal literacy (EML1501 Study Guide:
pg-4). Lesedi’s behaviours fit this description perfectly.
1.2 Influence of Lesedi’s home background on his literacy state (5)
Although Lesedi lives in an informal settlement where material resources are scarce—no
toys, no money for preschool and limited books—his home environment still provides
important support for literacy development. The presence of his older sister Mpho and the
active interest shown by his mother create a social setting in which language and literacy
practices can flourish. Shared imaginary school play, joint attention to a picture book,
questioning by the mother, and positive feedback (smiling and congratulating) all supply the
rich oral language interaction and emotional encouragement that the study guide identifies
as crucial features of a supportive home environment (EML1501 Study Guide: pg-12).
These interactions compensate for the lack of commercial toys and formal educational
materials, showing that the quality of human interaction is more important than material
wealth in the early stages of emergent literacy.
1.3 Literacy state displayed when he scribbled on the floor (5)
When Lesedi picked up a stick and began scribbling on the floor, then gave names to his
