What term describes the process of children acquiring the skills necessary for reading and writing?

The process through which children acquire the skills necessary for reading and writing is best described by the term "Emergent Literacy." This concept encompasses the early skills, knowledge, and attitudes that children develop before they become conventional readers and writers. Emergent literacy includes various aspects, such as understanding the function of print, recognizing letters and their sounds, and beginning to engage with storytelling and print in their environment.

This term is particularly important within the context of early childhood education, as it highlights the gradual process of learning that occurs in the years before formal education begins. By fostering emergent literacy, educators and caregivers help build a solid foundation upon which children can develop more advanced literacy skills as they progress in their education. The focus on processes and experiences with language and print during the early years is critical in promoting successful future reading and writing abilities.