CHILDREN’S LITERATURE SUPPORTING EMERGENT LITERACY SKILLS FOR THE YOUNG CHILD

Abstract

Children’s literature supports emergent literacy skills in many ways. It is important for families to understand how critical it is to read aloud and share books with their children. Parents also have to know how to select quality literature and appropriate books for their child according to their age levels. General evaluation criteria has been established for the selection of books for young children. By sharing criteria we can help families choose quality literature for their children. Sharing books with the children help children to acquire emergent literacy skills naturally. Children learn how to handle a book understand that print carries meaning and discovers literary element of a story. They learn that a story has a beginning, middle and end. But one of the most important elements of sharing books is that children learn to value literacy and begin a journey of lifelong learning that is enjoyable. After all if young children love to listen to stories and read they are already paving the path for success in later school years.