Literacy Definition

My definition of literacy has changed dramatically from the time I entered MSU as a freshman as an education major and continues to this day. When I began, fresh out of high school, I thought literacy simple meant reading in the literal sense that if one knew how to read and was literate that they were proficient in literacy. As I began taking education classes my definition began to evolve; from the time of TE 150, I began to see that literacy was something that had to be supported and coached from a very young age. I learned that the term "literacy" was not just about being able to read but more about the evolution of concepts of print and how a young child must master several steps in order for their literacy experience to take shape.

I would have to say that now, after taking TE 301 and 348, I have a very solid understanding of what literacy means to teachers who teach the subject to students. Literacy begins at an early age when children hear text read to them, not only books but signs, labels, etc. From this point on children become aware that these shapes make up words that can be read off the page and begin to notice text all around them. I believe it is important for parents to point out the the text they are reading to their children because this is the building block from where all literacy stems. As they age, children begin to learn letter sounds and are able to blend them into letter combination which in turn become meaningful words. Repetition and practice are important so that children can master this task in order to begin to build their word and sight vocabulary. Once children know letter combination they are able to blend them into words which will, in time, grow into being able to sound out harder words and help the child become a more independent reader. TE 348 taught me that there are several different types of children's literacy books that can help with mastering these tasks from picture books with few words to more intricate yet simple chapter books.
Literacy is not something that can be defined or learned quickly. There are several building blocks that must be mastered in order for literacy to be defined and achieved.