I) Table of Content 1 Ii) Task 3: Academic Essay 2-3 Iii) References 4

TABLE OF CONTENT
Page
i) Table of Content 1
ii) Task 3 : Academic Essay 2-3
iii) References 4
1
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) defines
literacy as the ability to identify, understand, interpret, create, communicate and compute,
using printed and written (and visual) materials associated with varying contexts. Literacy
involves a continuum of learning to enable an individual to achieve his or her goals, to develop
his or her knowledge and potential and to participate fully in the wider society (2004). Teachers
are central to any successful effort to improve literacy outcomes. Thus, it is important for the
teachers to understand children’s literacy when teaching in the primary ESL classroom.
Understanding how literacy develops in children is the first step in creating a literacy-rich
classroom, which is the aim of the Ministry of Education in ensuring all students are literate
and numerate with the implementation of Literacy and Numeracy Screening (LINUS) (2017).
By taking bits and pieces from multiple curricula sources and choosing appropriate
approaches to teaching literacy, teachers can offer simple, inexpensive learning activities and
strengthen daily routines. In addition, teachers can participate actively in play and
conversation and model enjoyment and enthusiasm in reading and writing.
According to The Creative Curriculum, literacy learning is based on constant verbal

interaction with adults paired with opportunities to see literacy in use (Dodge, Colker, and
Heroman 2002). It is always important for teachers to understand that much of this verbal
interaction happens during play, especially during activity such as storytelling. All children
need to be exposed to developmentally appropriate books, be read to in both small and large
groups, have the opportunity to discuss the content of books and written words, and be
encouraged to make connections between spoken and written language. Therefore, teachers
play the role of the main supplier of age appropriate reading materials that pupils can discuss
about. Moreover, pupils need teachers who intentionally set up play that uses literacy
materials, talk with them about their play, and use language to express feelings and thinking.
Children need help in using both spoken and written language throughout the day, and
teachers need to know how to provide those opportunities.
A strong foundation in literacy takes time to build: it requires exposure to listening,

speaking, reading and writing. Many young pupils may lack exposure to preschool education
and a culture of reading and storytelling at home. Therefore, the role of the primary school
teacher is crucial in making sure possible gaps in the development of literacy skills are
compensated for during the first years of schooling. Indeed, primary school teachers have a
huge role to play in ensuring that children develop a strong foundation in literacy skills.
Furthermore, having understanding of the pupils’ literacy background further aid the teacher
in helping them develop their literacy. Teachers who know the strength and weaknesses of
their pupils will be able to broaden and enhance children’s command of literacy skills by
providing them with a range of different contexts in which to use and practise these skills.
2
By being aware of the pupils’ literacy development, teachers will be able to assess the
students professionally in accordance to the standardised flow. With it, the teacher will be able
to know if they should provide the pupil with more reinforcement material if they are lacking or
more challenging material for the advanced pupils. Assessing them through given materials
are one way the teacher can gouge the level of the pupils’ literacy level for future lesson
planning. Other than that, the teacher will also be able to know if they have fulfilled the
requirement of the curriculum set out through the assessment done. From it the teacher can
plan out supplementary lessons to aid those who are lacking or find other approaches that
would be more suitable to teaching them literacy because according to Howard Gardner,
different students have different way of learning (2011). Thus, finding one that are suitable for
the pupils are important to help them learn.
Making meaning is at the heart of all literate practices, beginning at birth and continuing
throughout life. A literate person must have a wide range of abilities and competencies to
make meaning in the face of ever-changing social contexts. Therefore planning, teaching and
assessing literacy needs to involve meaningful literacy activities, reflecting the range of
contemporary demands (oral, print, digital), modes of communication (words, images, sounds,
film/animation) and the ways in which accuracy, fluency, comprehension, adaptability, and
critique are valued across different social settings and learning areas. Pupils in primary school
are already developing this as their own literacy skill advanced and teacher plays the role of
providing these meaningful literacy activities for the pupils to learn from.
In conclusion, understanding how literacy develops in children is the first step in

creating a literacy-rich classroom. By taking bits and pieces from multiple curricula sources,
teachers can offer simple, inexpensive learning activities and strengthen daily routines.
3
REFERENCES
UNESCO Education Position Paper (2004) The plurality of literacy and the implications of its
policies and programs, p.13.
Retrieved July 29, 2018 from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001362/136246e.pdf
National Transformation Programme Annual Report 2017 (2017) Creating a Holistic Education
System from the Ground Up, p. 8.
Retrieved July 29, 2018 from http://hq.lpkp.gov.my/images/ntp/NKRA/education.pdf
Dodge, D.; L. Colker; and C. Heroman. (2002) The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, 4th Ed.
Bethesda, Md.: Teaching Strategies
Gardner, H. (2011) Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York : Basic
Books.

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TABLE OF CONTENT

According to The Creative Curriculum, literacy learning is based on constant verbal

A strong foundation in literacy takes time to build: it requires exposure to listening,

In conclusion, understanding how literacy develops in children is the first step in

Retrieved July 29, 2018 from http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0013/001362/136246e.pdf

Retrieved July 29, 2018 from http://hq.lpkp.gov.my/images/ntp/NKRA/education.pdf

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