EML1501 Assignment 4
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE
30 September 2025
[Document subtitle]
[School]
[Course title]
,EML1501 Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 30 September 2025
Course
Emergent Literacy (EML1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Emergent Literacy
EML1501 Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 30 September 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1 [15] 1.1 Develop an overview that explores the significant role of parents in
fostering emergent literacy in young children. In your response demonstrate thorough
understanding of the concepts addressed in the study guide. Your overview should address the
following questions: (15) Your overview must be well-structured, clear, and reflect your ability to
think critically about the role of parents in the learning process of language acquisition. Use
specific examples from the text and refer to key concepts where relevant. The length of the
overview must be between 250 and 300 words. Address the following questions in your
overview with clear headings. • What is the role of parents in the promotion of emergent
literacy? • How can you identify a child who is emergent literate? • How does a child’s family
background affect his level of literacy?
The Role of Parents in the Promotion of Emergent Literacy
Parents play a central role in laying the foundation for emergent literacy, which refers to the
early skills, attitudes, and understandings about reading and writing that develop before formal
schooling. Their involvement includes modeling positive literacy behaviors, such as reading
aloud, storytelling, and engaging children in conversations that expand vocabulary. By creating
literacy-rich environments—through access to books, print materials, and interactive activities—
parents nurture children’s curiosity about language and print. Active parental support also
fosters motivation, confidence, and a positive attitude toward literacy, which are critical
precursors to later academic success.
Identifying a Child Who Is Emergent Literate
, An emergent literate child demonstrates an awareness of print and begins to recognize that
symbols carry meaning. Key indicators include the ability to identify letters of the alphabet,
recognize familiar logos or labels, and show interest in drawing or scribbling as a form of
writing. These children also display phonological awareness by identifying rhymes or beginning
sounds in words. Furthermore, emergent literate children often enjoy being read to, ask
questions about stories, and attempt to retell narratives, signaling an understanding of language
structures and story conventions.
The Influence of Family Background on Literacy Levels
Family background significantly influences a child’s emergent literacy development. Factors such
as socioeconomic status, availability of reading materials at home, parental literacy levels, and
the frequency of shared reading practices affect the richness of a child’s literacy exposure. For
example, children from homes where books and storytelling are common often develop
stronger vocabulary and comprehension skills. Conversely, limited access to resources or
parents with low literacy levels may delay a child’s emergent literacy development. Cultural
practices also shape the kinds of literacy experiences children encounter, influencing their
familiarity with different forms of language use.
QUESTION 2 [15] 2.1 “As a Grade R teacher, you are encouraged to use play as a way of
teaching language”. Briefly discuss three theories of play that are highlighted by Wood (2009:9).
(15) 6 In your response, address the following questions: • What is the role of play in language
learning? • Which type of play promotes social interaction amongst pre-school children? • How
can does play foster cognitive development? NB. Provide at least five points for each question.
Theories of Play (Wood, 2009:9)
Play is a fundamental medium for children’s learning and development. Wood (2009) highlights
several theories of play, three of which are particularly relevant to language teaching in Grade R:
1. Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory – Piaget views play as a means for children to
practice and consolidate their cognitive skills. Through symbolic play, children
experiment with language, express ideas, and rehearse social roles.
2. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory – Vygotsky emphasizes the social dimension of play.
Play provides a context where children engage in dialogue, negotiate rules, and scaffold
one another’s learning. Language development is accelerated as children use speech to
plan, direct, and make sense of their play.
PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE
ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE
30 September 2025
[Document subtitle]
[School]
[Course title]
,EML1501 Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 30 September 2025
Course
Emergent Literacy (EML1501)
Institution
University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Book
Emergent Literacy
EML1501 Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO (COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 30 September 2025;
100% TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
QUESTION 1 [15] 1.1 Develop an overview that explores the significant role of parents in
fostering emergent literacy in young children. In your response demonstrate thorough
understanding of the concepts addressed in the study guide. Your overview should address the
following questions: (15) Your overview must be well-structured, clear, and reflect your ability to
think critically about the role of parents in the learning process of language acquisition. Use
specific examples from the text and refer to key concepts where relevant. The length of the
overview must be between 250 and 300 words. Address the following questions in your
overview with clear headings. • What is the role of parents in the promotion of emergent
literacy? • How can you identify a child who is emergent literate? • How does a child’s family
background affect his level of literacy?
The Role of Parents in the Promotion of Emergent Literacy
Parents play a central role in laying the foundation for emergent literacy, which refers to the
early skills, attitudes, and understandings about reading and writing that develop before formal
schooling. Their involvement includes modeling positive literacy behaviors, such as reading
aloud, storytelling, and engaging children in conversations that expand vocabulary. By creating
literacy-rich environments—through access to books, print materials, and interactive activities—
parents nurture children’s curiosity about language and print. Active parental support also
fosters motivation, confidence, and a positive attitude toward literacy, which are critical
precursors to later academic success.
Identifying a Child Who Is Emergent Literate
, An emergent literate child demonstrates an awareness of print and begins to recognize that
symbols carry meaning. Key indicators include the ability to identify letters of the alphabet,
recognize familiar logos or labels, and show interest in drawing or scribbling as a form of
writing. These children also display phonological awareness by identifying rhymes or beginning
sounds in words. Furthermore, emergent literate children often enjoy being read to, ask
questions about stories, and attempt to retell narratives, signaling an understanding of language
structures and story conventions.
The Influence of Family Background on Literacy Levels
Family background significantly influences a child’s emergent literacy development. Factors such
as socioeconomic status, availability of reading materials at home, parental literacy levels, and
the frequency of shared reading practices affect the richness of a child’s literacy exposure. For
example, children from homes where books and storytelling are common often develop
stronger vocabulary and comprehension skills. Conversely, limited access to resources or
parents with low literacy levels may delay a child’s emergent literacy development. Cultural
practices also shape the kinds of literacy experiences children encounter, influencing their
familiarity with different forms of language use.
QUESTION 2 [15] 2.1 “As a Grade R teacher, you are encouraged to use play as a way of
teaching language”. Briefly discuss three theories of play that are highlighted by Wood (2009:9).
(15) 6 In your response, address the following questions: • What is the role of play in language
learning? • Which type of play promotes social interaction amongst pre-school children? • How
can does play foster cognitive development? NB. Provide at least five points for each question.
Theories of Play (Wood, 2009:9)
Play is a fundamental medium for children’s learning and development. Wood (2009) highlights
several theories of play, three of which are particularly relevant to language teaching in Grade R:
1. Piaget’s Cognitive Developmental Theory – Piaget views play as a means for children to
practice and consolidate their cognitive skills. Through symbolic play, children
experiment with language, express ideas, and rehearse social roles.
2. Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory – Vygotsky emphasizes the social dimension of play.
Play provides a context where children engage in dialogue, negotiate rules, and scaffold
one another’s learning. Language development is accelerated as children use speech to
plan, direct, and make sense of their play.
