Learning to be literate

Although literacy may traditionally be considered as reading, writing and communicating, there are other ways which children can become “literate”, which this chapter will consider. It will begin by considering how literacy may traditionally be interpreted as “the ability to read and write” and from that move away from conventional interpretations of literacy, towards three other crucial understanding. Firstly it will explore what is meant by emotional literacy, then consider how children can become digitally literate, and then consider what is suggested by ecoliteracy. We will then explore how these themes are interrelated and that our willingness, knowledge and pedagogical skills to ensure a connected approach is a significance element in children’s successful literacy development.