Emergent Literacy

Growing up, I can remember my parents finding the time to read to me despite the fact that they both had 2 jobs. On rainy days or when I was sick, they would read to me and let me read to them. I also remember them encouraging me to try harder and to become a very fluent reader. I had so many books and I read them all at least twice. I have basically been reading, writing and drawing since before I could walk and talk. I had never heard the term Emergent Literacy until this class. And I had never really thought about it. Now that I have read about it and know a little about it, I realize how important it really is. I think that a child's exposure to emergent literacy can be a determining factor in their success in reading, writing and school in general. Some some students that come into my classroom will not have that advantage. Some may come in never having seen any print whatsoever. Some students may come from a home where their parents or caregivers can not read themselves. But just because a student is not exposed, does not mean that the right teacher with the right attitude, can't help that student succeed. While I am excited about the opportunity to help these students, I am also somewhat nervous because I know that it will be such a challenge.