,EML1501 ASSIGNMENT 4 PORTFOLIO - DUE DATE 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 The literacy state of Lesedi (5 marks)
Lesedi is in the emergent literacy stage, which refers to the early development of literacy
skills before a child can read and write independently. At three years old, he is already
developing important reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through everyday
activities. When he looks at pictures in a book and explains what is happening, he
demonstrates that he understands that pictures communicate meaning. His ability to answer
his mother's questions and tell stories also shows that he is developing vocabulary,
comprehension and oral language skills. According to Whitehurst and Lonigan (1998),
emergent literacy develops through children's early experiences with language, books, print
and writing. Therefore, Lesedi is building the foundation for formal reading and writing even
though he does not attend preschool.
1.2 The influence of Lesedi's home background on his literacy state (5 marks)
Lesedi's home background influences his literacy development in both challenging and
positive ways. His mother's unemployment and the family's financial difficulties prevent him
from attending preschool and limit his access to toys, books and other educational resources.
These limitations may reduce his opportunities to participate in structured literacy activities.
However, his home environment also provides valuable learning opportunities. Playing
imaginary school with Mpho allows him to practise language and imitate activities associated
with school. His mother's questions encourage him to think about stories and express his
ideas. Furthermore, her smile and praise motivate him to continue drawing and
communicating. According to Vygotsky (1978), children's learning is supported by social
interaction with more knowledgeable people. Lesedi's experience demonstrates that
supportive family interactions can encourage literacy development even when a family has
limited financial resources.
, 1.3 The literacy state Lesedi displayed when he scribbled on the floor (5 marks)
Lesedi displayed emergent writing, specifically the scribbling stage of early writing
development. At this stage, young children make marks using different movements before
they can form recognisable letters and words. When Lesedi uses a stick to scribble on the
floor and gives his drawings names, he demonstrates that he is beginning to understand that
marks can represent objects, people and ideas. His drawing of a car and his ability to explain
what he has drawn show that his marks carry meaning for him. Although his scribbles may
not resemble conventional writing, they are an important step towards learning to write.
Puranik and Lonigan (2011) explain that young children's early writing involves developing
both the physical skills needed to make marks and an understanding of the purposes of
writing.
1.4 The skill Lesedi displayed by answering his mother's questions about his picture (5
marks)
Lesedi demonstrated oral language and narrative skills, particularly expressive language and
the ability to communicate meaning. Expressive language refers to the ability to use words
and sentences to communicate thoughts, ideas and experiences. When his mother asks
questions about the book, Lesedi provides relevant answers, such as explaining that he and
Mpho are on their way to school. His ability to explain his drawing of a car also shows that
he can organise his ideas and communicate them verbally. These behaviours demonstrate that
he understands questions, uses vocabulary appropriately and connects pictures with meaning.
According to Whitehurst and Lonigan (1998), oral language and vocabulary are important
components of emergent literacy because they support children's later reading
comprehension and written communication.
1.5 The importance of developmentally appropriate material in a Grade R classroom (10
marks)
Developmentally appropriate materials are resources that match children's ages, abilities,
interests and stages of development. In a Grade R classroom, these materials are important
because children learn effectively through play, exploration, practical activities and
QUESTION 1
1.1 The literacy state of Lesedi (5 marks)
Lesedi is in the emergent literacy stage, which refers to the early development of literacy
skills before a child can read and write independently. At three years old, he is already
developing important reading, writing, speaking and listening skills through everyday
activities. When he looks at pictures in a book and explains what is happening, he
demonstrates that he understands that pictures communicate meaning. His ability to answer
his mother's questions and tell stories also shows that he is developing vocabulary,
comprehension and oral language skills. According to Whitehurst and Lonigan (1998),
emergent literacy develops through children's early experiences with language, books, print
and writing. Therefore, Lesedi is building the foundation for formal reading and writing even
though he does not attend preschool.
1.2 The influence of Lesedi's home background on his literacy state (5 marks)
Lesedi's home background influences his literacy development in both challenging and
positive ways. His mother's unemployment and the family's financial difficulties prevent him
from attending preschool and limit his access to toys, books and other educational resources.
These limitations may reduce his opportunities to participate in structured literacy activities.
However, his home environment also provides valuable learning opportunities. Playing
imaginary school with Mpho allows him to practise language and imitate activities associated
with school. His mother's questions encourage him to think about stories and express his
ideas. Furthermore, her smile and praise motivate him to continue drawing and
communicating. According to Vygotsky (1978), children's learning is supported by social
interaction with more knowledgeable people. Lesedi's experience demonstrates that
supportive family interactions can encourage literacy development even when a family has
limited financial resources.
, 1.3 The literacy state Lesedi displayed when he scribbled on the floor (5 marks)
Lesedi displayed emergent writing, specifically the scribbling stage of early writing
development. At this stage, young children make marks using different movements before
they can form recognisable letters and words. When Lesedi uses a stick to scribble on the
floor and gives his drawings names, he demonstrates that he is beginning to understand that
marks can represent objects, people and ideas. His drawing of a car and his ability to explain
what he has drawn show that his marks carry meaning for him. Although his scribbles may
not resemble conventional writing, they are an important step towards learning to write.
Puranik and Lonigan (2011) explain that young children's early writing involves developing
both the physical skills needed to make marks and an understanding of the purposes of
writing.
1.4 The skill Lesedi displayed by answering his mother's questions about his picture (5
marks)
Lesedi demonstrated oral language and narrative skills, particularly expressive language and
the ability to communicate meaning. Expressive language refers to the ability to use words
and sentences to communicate thoughts, ideas and experiences. When his mother asks
questions about the book, Lesedi provides relevant answers, such as explaining that he and
Mpho are on their way to school. His ability to explain his drawing of a car also shows that
he can organise his ideas and communicate them verbally. These behaviours demonstrate that
he understands questions, uses vocabulary appropriately and connects pictures with meaning.
According to Whitehurst and Lonigan (1998), oral language and vocabulary are important
components of emergent literacy because they support children's later reading
comprehension and written communication.
1.5 The importance of developmentally appropriate material in a Grade R classroom (10
marks)
Developmentally appropriate materials are resources that match children's ages, abilities,
interests and stages of development. In a Grade R classroom, these materials are important
because children learn effectively through play, exploration, practical activities and
