What is a key characteristic of emergent literacy?

The key characteristic of emergent literacy is that children understand that print carries meaning and has a structure. This understanding is foundational for literacy development, as it indicates that children are starting to grasp the concept that written symbols represent language and that these symbols function within a structured system. Emergent literacy encompasses the skills and knowledge that precede conventional reading and writing, preparing children for successful literacy learning.

In the context of emergent literacy, awareness of print involves recognizing that text is read from left to right and understanding the purpose of various forms of print, such as books, labels, and signs. This awareness sets the stage for more advanced literacy skills, as children who recognize that print has meaning are more likely to engage with text and begin to make connections to the spoken language.

Other choices relate to more advanced skills that develop after emergent literacy. Recognizing words in the environment is a part of emergent literacy but is not as comprehensive as understanding that print conveys meaning and is structured. Knowing all the rules of grammar and writing complete sentences signifies a level of literacy development that occurs later, once foundational concepts of print and its functions have been internalized.