Literacy Concepts and Practices

Traditional Literacies

• Basic literacy and skills are fundamental, encompassing reading, writing, and understanding use of written language within a specific language system.
• Functional literacy extends beyond basic skills, applying them to daily tasks, work, and societal needs.
• Early/emergent literacy includes the developmental precursors to reading and writing, encompassing experiences from birth to preschool age.

Cognitive and Social Processes

• Literacy is not just about skills, it involves understanding text functions, cognitive processes, communication, comprehension, critical thinking and interpretation.

Literacy as a Social Practice

• Literacy is interwoven with cultural and social contexts, not merely a set of skills.

Literacy in Cognitive Development

• Literacy is a vital part of cognitive development, mediating higher mental processes and building knowledge through interaction.

Functional Literacy

• Functional literacy involves using applied reading, writing, and numeracy skills to meet daily needs, including practical applications.

Early/Emergent Literacy

• Early literacy skills, knowledge, and attitudes are developmental precursors essential for future reading and writing.
• This period covers birth to preschool years, emphasizing varied experiences foundational to literacy.
• This stage is a continuous aspect of literacy development, not a singular milestone.

Key Emergent Literacy Skills

• Print awareness: Understanding print carries meaning and how it's used (e.g. books, signs).
• Letter knowledge: Understanding letters (uppercase/lowercase), sounds associated, and distinguishing between them.
• Phonological awareness: Recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken language (rhyming, syllables, phonemic awareness).
• Vocabulary development: Learning a range of words through conversations and reading.
• Oral language skills: The ability to speak, listen, and understand spoken language; developing storytelling, question-answering and conversation skills.
• Narrative skills: Describing events, telling stories (beginning, middle, end), and understanding the story elements.
• Print motivation: Interest in reading, and engaging with books/reading.

21st Century Literacies & Skills

• 21st-century literacy is broader than traditional literacy, encompassing skills needed in a modern, digital world, including digital literacy, media literacy, and critical literacy.
• These literacies are necessary for full participation in today's society.

Basic Literacy & Skills

• Basic literacy encompasses foundational reading and writing skills, essential for daily functioning.
• Basic numeracy involves interpreting and communicating numerical and graphical information effectively.

21st Century Education

• 21st-century education emphasizes a shift from time-based learning to outcome-based learning.
• Focuses on developing higher-order thinking skills (problem solving, reasoning, innovation)
• Shifts to a collaborative, research-driven approach and includes technology in learning processes.
• Emphasizes active learning by providing collaborative and active environments, and developing research skills.
• It values student-centered learning, giving students opportunities for self-directed learning and collaborative work.

The 21st Century Curriculum

• The 21st-century curriculum is interdisciplinary, project-based, and research-driven.
• Connects to local, national, and global communities, with collaborations on various projects.
• Includes higher-order thinking skills, multiple intelligences, technology, and multimedia.
• It incorporates authentic assessments, including service learning.

Technology in the 21st Century

• Technology isn't an end in itself; it's a tool for learning.
• The optimal learning environment allows access to technology, supporting diverse learning styles and needs.
• Technology should adapt to learning needs, and not vice versa.

21st Century Learning Environment

• 21st-century classrooms often emphasize collaboration, teamwork, flexibility and diverse skills development.
• Students are empowered to utilize technologies effectively.

21st Century Learners

• Today's students are "digital natives."
• They have different learning styles and engage with information differently compared to prior generations.

21st Century Skills

• Critical thinking, creative thinking, collaboration, communication, information literacy, media literacy, technology literacy, flexibility, initiative, social skills, productivity, and leadership are fundamental skills for success in the 21st century.