EML1501
ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
, Emergent Literacy
QUESTION 1
The Role of Parents in Fostering Emergent Literacy
1.1 The Role of Parents in the Promotion of Emergent Literacy
Parents are central figures in a child’s journey towards literacy. They provide the first
literacy experiences through storytelling, singing, nursery rhymes, and conversations.
Research shows that when parents read aloud, label objects, and engage in print-rich
activities at home, children develop vocabulary, phonological awareness, and
comprehension skills (Snow, 2006). Parents also model positive reading behaviour,
motivating children to value books and language use.
1.2 Identifying a Child Who is Emergent Literate
A child is considered emergent literate when they demonstrate early literacy behaviours
such as:
Pretending to read or write.
Recognising familiar logos, letters, or words.
Holding a book correctly and turning pages in sequence.
Using drawing or scribbling to represent ideas.
Engaging in storytelling or using rich vocabulary in play (Teale & Sulzby, 1986).
These behaviours indicate the child is developing foundational concepts of print and
language awareness.
1.3 The Influence of Family Background on Literacy Development
Family background strongly affects literacy acquisition. Children from families with
access to books, literacy-rich environments, and educated caregivers generally develop
literacy skills earlier (Heath, 2012). Conversely, children from disadvantaged
backgrounds, where there may be limited exposure to books or fewer interactions in
ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: SEPTEMBER 2025
, Emergent Literacy
QUESTION 1
The Role of Parents in Fostering Emergent Literacy
1.1 The Role of Parents in the Promotion of Emergent Literacy
Parents are central figures in a child’s journey towards literacy. They provide the first
literacy experiences through storytelling, singing, nursery rhymes, and conversations.
Research shows that when parents read aloud, label objects, and engage in print-rich
activities at home, children develop vocabulary, phonological awareness, and
comprehension skills (Snow, 2006). Parents also model positive reading behaviour,
motivating children to value books and language use.
1.2 Identifying a Child Who is Emergent Literate
A child is considered emergent literate when they demonstrate early literacy behaviours
such as:
Pretending to read or write.
Recognising familiar logos, letters, or words.
Holding a book correctly and turning pages in sequence.
Using drawing or scribbling to represent ideas.
Engaging in storytelling or using rich vocabulary in play (Teale & Sulzby, 1986).
These behaviours indicate the child is developing foundational concepts of print and
language awareness.
1.3 The Influence of Family Background on Literacy Development
Family background strongly affects literacy acquisition. Children from families with
access to books, literacy-rich environments, and educated caregivers generally develop
literacy skills earlier (Heath, 2012). Conversely, children from disadvantaged
backgrounds, where there may be limited exposure to books or fewer interactions in
