The word literacy, in very general terms, means that you are able to communicate meaning to someone else using socially contextual signs or symbols. Your level of literacy development allows for better communication as you use what you have in your “pool” of resources and experiences in writing, reading, listening and speaking. Language development in a child is perhaps the most important role when it comes to acquiring writing skills and gaining comprehension of reading.
Experts tell us that a person’s past experiences or problems are unable to be separated from the acquisition of newer words in a literacy program. In other words, each person brings with them a new group of experiences that is based on their background, which influences their interpretation of texts. This information that they have already learned must be in some way connected with the new information in order for new learning to happen. Children from a different culture may not have the necessary prior knowledge needed in order to teach them new vocabulary meanings that are different from their own cultural contexts. For instance, a person raised in a more vegetarian culture is likely unable to understand terms such as rare, medium and well done as a reference to the cooking of meat.
Both examples and support is needed in order for children to learn to use and apply new literacy skills. Once the child starts using the new skills independently, a teacher will normally start to relinquish literacy control but should still be available to guide the child when necessary. This type of supportive interaction allows the child to become a more capable and confident user of these skills.
Teaching someone is much easier when you can show them how literacy will actually add value or meaning to their life. What a child brings to a learning experience does affect the outcome, so their enthusiasm, curiosity and desire to learn will help to improve reading skills and writing skills. For instance, the simple act of letter writing to a loved one will give the endeavor a more personal value, instead of just writing a generic letter in a friendly format. The connection between what they are being taught and its significance as being useful must be obvious to a child in order to ensure continued learning.
A child’s social location and cultural experience can include ethnic, gender, religious and the socioeconomic differences, all of which can influence interpretation of learning experiences. Shared writing and reading experiences, classroom discussions and similar activities support literacy development. A child constructs meaning from their every day language and experiences that they encounter, so a more stimulating interactive environment will enhance their learning. Encouraging conversation and collaboration among many diverse groups, as well as social learning context being created that allows for diverse views to become shared and explored, will help to further along their understanding of different cultural viewpoints. Children, and even their parents, need to feel empowered and realize the relevance of the education being received.
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