Concept formation and the neurological executive function underlying a training programme to improve pre-reading skills

Abstract

ABSTRACTMastering emergent reading requires applicable concepts and processes, which implies proficiency regarding the neurological executive function. Relevant neurological processes include attention, planning, initiation of activity, inhibition, working memory, shifting of attention, and mental flexibility. A training programme, incorporating concept formation and the underlying neurological executive function was developed and practitioners were trained to support preschool children with regard to sensory-motor integration, language and pre-writing skills as elements of pre-reading skills. The research was conducted in a number of rural crèches in South Africa where a questionnaire was used as the survey instrument. The findings revealed that the control group demonstrated fewer readiness skills regarding the required sensory-motor integration, language and pre-writing skills while the experimental group demonstrated newly formed concepts to assist in the acquisition of early literacy and the development of emergent reading.