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EML1501 ASSIGNMENT 02 2026
ANSWERS
DUE DATE : JUNE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Language as the Common Thread in Emergent Literacy Skills
Language is the foundation of literacy development because it enables children to communicate,
understand meaning, and interact with the world around them. Emergent literacy refers to the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes that children develop before formal reading and writing instruction
begins. Emergent speaking, reading, and writing are closely connected because they all depend on
language development (Botha, 2026).
a. Emergent Speaking (5)
Emergent speaking refers to a child's developing ability to use oral language to express thoughts,
feelings, needs, and ideas. Through interactions with adults and peers, children learn vocabulary,
sentence structures, and communication skills that form the basis for literacy development (Botha,
2026).
Language is central to emergent speaking because children first learn about literacy through
listening and talking. Oral language development allows children to understand sounds, words, and
meanings, which later supports reading and writing. For example, when children participate in
discussions, storytelling activities, or role-play, they expand their vocabulary and improve their
ability to communicate effectively. These experiences contribute to future literacy success because
children who possess strong oral language skills are generally better prepared for reading and
writing tasks (Botha, 2026).
b. Emergent Reading (5)
Emergent reading refers to the early behaviours and skills that children display before they are able
to read independently. These behaviours include pretending to read, recognising familiar logos,
understanding that books contain stories, and realising that print carries meaning (Botha, 2026).
Language serves as the common thread because children use their oral language knowledge to make
sense of written texts. As adults read stories aloud, children connect spoken words to printed words
and begin to understand how language is represented in writing. A rich vocabulary and strong
listening comprehension skills enable children to understand stories, make predictions, and engage
with texts more effectively. Consequently, language development directly influences children's
ability to become successful readers (Botha, 2026).
EML1501 ASSIGNMENT 02 2026
ANSWERS
DUE DATE : JUNE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Language as the Common Thread in Emergent Literacy Skills
Language is the foundation of literacy development because it enables children to communicate,
understand meaning, and interact with the world around them. Emergent literacy refers to the
knowledge, skills, and attitudes that children develop before formal reading and writing instruction
begins. Emergent speaking, reading, and writing are closely connected because they all depend on
language development (Botha, 2026).
a. Emergent Speaking (5)
Emergent speaking refers to a child's developing ability to use oral language to express thoughts,
feelings, needs, and ideas. Through interactions with adults and peers, children learn vocabulary,
sentence structures, and communication skills that form the basis for literacy development (Botha,
2026).
Language is central to emergent speaking because children first learn about literacy through
listening and talking. Oral language development allows children to understand sounds, words, and
meanings, which later supports reading and writing. For example, when children participate in
discussions, storytelling activities, or role-play, they expand their vocabulary and improve their
ability to communicate effectively. These experiences contribute to future literacy success because
children who possess strong oral language skills are generally better prepared for reading and
writing tasks (Botha, 2026).
b. Emergent Reading (5)
Emergent reading refers to the early behaviours and skills that children display before they are able
to read independently. These behaviours include pretending to read, recognising familiar logos,
understanding that books contain stories, and realising that print carries meaning (Botha, 2026).
Language serves as the common thread because children use their oral language knowledge to make
sense of written texts. As adults read stories aloud, children connect spoken words to printed words
and begin to understand how language is represented in writing. A rich vocabulary and strong
listening comprehension skills enable children to understand stories, make predictions, and engage
with texts more effectively. Consequently, language development directly influences children's
ability to become successful readers (Botha, 2026).
