Factors Contributing to Literacy Development

Wrapping up National Literacy Month!

This month of September has seemed loooooong! But I’m glad because that means we’ve been able to dive deep into my favorite topic- Literacy! September is National (& International) Literacy Month. A month where we are reminded of the importance of literacy in our homes and communities.

Let’s recap. This month we’ve learned about:

-Developing a child’s oral language through reading

-The fundamentals of phonics and phonological awareness

-Ways to foster fluent reading and how to model what good reading looks like

-Working with those tricky irregular words

I wanted to wrap up this month of literacy by focusing on a little theory lesson when it comes to literacy development. There are THREE factors that contribute to literacy development in little learners:

1. Social

2. Environmental

3. Cultural

The Social Ecological Model shows how social, environmental and cultural factors can all impact a child’s attitudes, knowledge and skills. But, you could also put the world “literacy” in front of all of those words. These factors all affect the attitudes children have towards literacy and their own reading and writing skills.

Social influences start in the home. When children see that reading and writing are valued in their own homes, they will develop a positive attitude towards it. How do we make this happen?

-Make books accessible throughout your home

-Read aloud to your children

-Give your children time and space to read themselves and experiment with different books

-Practice writing skills like writing their name or family member’s names. If your kids are older, have them start journaling!

Environmental factors focus on the child’s experiences in their world. Their everyday experiences can greatly impact their ability to comprehend while reading. Experiences in life and nature help build background knowledge. When a child has more background knowledge on a topic, they are more likely to comprehend the reading on that topic.

-Have a variety of books available on different topics (i.e. animals, automobiles, our planet, space, jobs)

-Get out and experience your own environment on a daily basis! Go on walks, stop and talk about the different things your child finds. Answer ALL of their questions. Even if you don’t have the answers, go home and research them together. This teaches them that they can always find the answers to questions they have.

-Go to your local libraries, museums, parks, and zoos! There is so much to learn and they WILL remember those experiences.

Cultural factors have to do with the values or norms that are set in the home. This ranges from different cultures and religions. Your child’s schooling can also be grouped into this category. What type of school do they attend? What are the values that are taught in the school, and most importantly, what values surround literacy? FYI. This begins in preschool. The most popular school may not have the literacy values your child needs. Do your research.

Many individuals in our communities simply don’t have the resources to ensure literacy development in their own homes. So, what can you do to help?

-Donate books

-Volunteer at libraries, museums, and after-school programs

-Help children in your community by spreading the love of reading!

Though National Literacy Month is coming to an end, we can and should continue to learn about literacy AND help our communities learn and love to read!

Happy Learning!

Ashley