Which statement best defines emergent literacy?

• A. A Set Of Attitudes And Behaviors Towards Reading And Writing That Develop Before Formal Literacy; It Lays The Foundation For Later Reading Skills
• B. The Ability To Read Chapter Books
• C. Knowledge Of Grammar Rules
• D. The Ability To Spell

Answer: (A)

Emergent literacy refers to the early attitudes, behaviors, and understandings about reading and writing that children develop before they learn formal literacy. It encompasses enjoying stories, recognizing that print has meaning, handling books, knowing that letters have names and sounds, and beginning to express ideas through scribbles or letter-like marks. These experiences create the foundation for decoding, vocabulary, and later reading success. That’s why the statement describing a set of attitudes and behaviors toward reading and writing that develop before formal literacy—and that lay the groundwork for later reading skills—best captures emergent literacy. The other options point to skills that come after this early stage: reading chapter books is a later achievement, grammar knowledge reflects more advanced language rules, and spelling is a specific writing skill developed with formal instruction and practice.