The following shows how emergent literacy is included in each of the strands of Te Whāriki.
In an information-driven world where communication is so important, developing abilities in literacy has become very relevant to life-long wellbeing. Understanding that spoken words can be written down and read by others opens new and powerful ways for children to express their thoughts and feelings. Children’s confidence and self-belief are also fostered when they have agency to try new things, revise, and edit their work. Books and stories promote understanding and tolerance by broadening children’s horizons and exposing them to diverse perspectives.
Children’s sense of belonging is supported through emergent literacy experiences by giving them the ability and opportunity to communicate, connect, and engage with their whānau, kaiako, peers and communities in a range of ways. For example, participating in story reading and expressing their ideas through mark-making encourage children to feel included and actively involved. When emergent literacy capabilities are supported with stories, songs, and texts that reflect children's backgrounds and experiences, the cultural connection strengthens their sense of belonging. Building a sense of belonging through emergent literacy relies on kaiako recognising and valuing the efforts and contributions of each child.
Emergent literacy experiences can provide many opportunities for children to actively contribute to their social and learning environments. Emergent literacy capabilities enable children to express their ideas, needs, and working theories for the benefit of others. Stories encourage social interaction and often invite discussions about fairness and how to get along with others. As children mature, documenting through drawing, emergent writing, and storytelling extend the opportunity to share, and in doing so, contribute to their self-worth and confidence. Kaiako foster all these outcomes by offering emergent literacy experiences that value children’s active contributions and collaboration.
Developing emergent literacy capabilities in the early years sets children on a positive path to formal reading and writing, important components of communication. Kaiako have a key role to ensure the emergent literacy experiences are enjoyable, playful, and purposeful for all children. When emergent literacy experiences include stories and texts from diverse cultures, children are more likely to develop an appreciation of languages and cultural diversity. Such awareness enhances their ability to communicate respectfully and effectively in a multicultural society.
Emergent literacy capabilities stimulate curiosity, creative thinking and problem solving, all of which are necessary as children explore both their immediate and wider worlds. For example, recording and documenting through mark-making and emergent writing create opportunities for children to visually represent their thinking, and to trial and their test their working theories with others. Kaiako foster exploration by integrating emergent literacy into every day, real-world experiences. Mark-making and emergent writing also encourages the development of physical abilities. As children improve their gross and fine motor skills, they gain greater confidence and precision in their writing abilities.
