Basic Literacy and Skills

 Niño D. Estolas, M.Ed., LPT

  Basic literacy refers to the capacity to read, write, and understand written language. It encompasses proficiency in vocabulary, grammar, spelling, and punctuation, ensuring effective communication. (Smith, P. 2018).

    Basic literacy skills include reading, writing, and numeracy abilities. Individuals in all communities come from diverse backgrounds and engage in various occupations. Whether they are employed or responsible for managing household tasks ( Kapur, R. 2019).

 

What is literacy? by  College of Education at Illinois State University (2023).

    Gaining literacy is an ongoing process that extends beyond traditional notions of reading, writing, and basic arithmetic. In today's rapidly changing digital world, literacy encompasses various abilities such as identification, comprehension, interpretation, creation, and communication. It is not limited to mastering reading and writing but also includes proficiency in using numbers and adapting to new technologies and information sources. Literacy is a continuous journey of learning and skill development, encompassing digital literacy, media literacy, education for sustainable development, global citizenship, and job-specific skills. As individuals increasingly interact with digital technology, literacy skills continue to expand and evolve (UNESCO, 2024).

 

Classification of basic literacy typically includes the following components:

1. Reading: The ability to recognize and comprehend written words and sentences.
2. Writing: The skill of composing and expressing thoughts, ideas, and information through written language.
3. Numeracy: Basic mathematical skills such as counting, adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

    These components form the foundation of basic literacy skills and are essential for effective communication and participation in various aspects of daily life.

 

Effects of Literacy

    Literacy is a tool of empowerment and liberation for individuals. In addition to being a fundamental aspect of the right to education, literacy enhances lives by broadening capabilities, ultimately leading to poverty reduction, increased engagement in the workforce, and positive impacts on health and sustainable development. Particularly, when women are empowered through literacy, it creates a ripple effect across all facets of development. They gain greater autonomy and opportunities, which in turn positively influence the well-being and education of their families, including the education of girls.

    The increasing demand for literacy skills in subject-specific classes highlights the necessity of exploring innovative teaching methods to support students in meeting these demands. While certain literacy skills, such as reading and understanding written material, are essential across all subjects, more specialized strategies are required as the complexity of content area learning intensifies. 

    Shanahan and Shanahan (2008) introduced a helpful framework delineating these literacy strategies into three components: basic literacy (e.g., reading and writing), intermediate literacy facilitating learning across disciplines (e.g., using graphic organizers, visualizing, predicting, asking questions), and disciplinary literacy, which involves specialized literacy skills within academic subjects. While basic literacy skills like reading proficiency are foundational for content area learning, mastery of these skills alone does not guarantee comprehension of the material.

    Basic literacy skills primarily entail the utilization of automatic cognitive processes such as word recognition and fluent reading. In contrast, intermediate literacy skills entail the utilization of comprehension strategies that necessitate deliberate cognitive effort. For instance, when students encounter a phrase like, "the worker's expression darkened as she considered the potentially devastating impact of the decision she was about to make," they may automatically read the words. 

    However, comprehending the underlying meaning behind the worker's facial expression darkening requires thoughtful consideration of the author's intent, rather than solely focusing on the literal meaning of the words.

Several challenges can hinder the development of basic literacy skills:

1. Lack of Access to Education: Limited access to quality education, especially in marginalized communities and rural areas, can prevent individuals from acquiring basic literacy skills. Factors such as poverty, inadequate infrastructure, and cultural barriers may contribute to unequal access to educational opportunities.
2. Language Barriers: Language differences and linguistic diversity can pose challenges for individuals learning to read and write. Limited availability of materials in native languages or lack of support for bilingual education may hinder literacy development among minority language speakers.
3. Socioeconomic Factors: Poverty, unemployment, and low socioeconomic status can create barriers to literacy development. Economic hardship may lead to limited access to educational resources, lack of parental support for learning, and increased risk of dropping out of school.
4. Learning Disabilities: Individuals with learning disabilities, such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), may face difficulties in acquiring basic literacy skills. These challenges may require specialized interventions and support from educators and healthcare professionals.
5. Limited Literacy Skills of Parents: Children from homes where parents have low literacy levels may experience disadvantages in developing their own literacy skills. Lack of parental support for reading and limited exposure to literacy-rich environments can impede children's progress in acquiring basic literacy skills.
6. Technological Changes: Rapid advancements in technology and digital media have reshaped the literacy landscape, creating new challenges for individuals learning to read and write. Digital literacy skills, such as navigating online content and critically evaluating information, have become increasingly important but may pose challenges for those with limited access to technology or digital literacy training.
7. Cultural and Gender Norms: Sociocultural factors and gender norms may influence access to education and attitudes towards literacy. Discrimination against certain groups, traditional gender roles, and cultural beliefs about education may perpetuate inequalities in literacy attainment, particularly among girls and women.

    Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts from governments, educators, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure equitable access to quality education, provide targeted support for learners with diverse needs, and promote a culture of lifelong learning and literacy.

School-to-Home Involvement for Basic Literacy Development

 

Basic Strategies for Developing Literacy by Bernard Salupan (2021).

    School-to-home involvement plays a crucial role in developing basic literacy skills in children. 

    Here are some ways in which schools can involve parents and caregivers in supporting literacy development at home:

1. Communication: Schools can regularly communicate with parents about their child's literacy progress, learning goals, and strategies for supporting literacy development at home. This can include newsletters, emails, parent-teacher conferences, and workshops on literacy-related topics.
2. Providing Resources: Schools can provide parents with resources and materials to support literacy learning at home, such as books, educational games, and online resources. They can also offer tips and suggestions for incorporating literacy activities into daily routines, such as reading together, storytelling, and practicing writing.
3. Family Literacy Events: Schools can organize family literacy events, such as literacy nights, book fairs, and storytelling sessions, to engage parents and children in literacy-related activities. These events provide opportunities for families to bond over reading and learning together.
4. Parent Workshops: Schools can offer workshops and training sessions for parents on topics related to literacy development, such as phonics instruction, reading comprehension strategies, and supporting struggling readers. These workshops can empower parents with the knowledge and skills to effectively support their child's literacy learning at home.
5. Encouraging Home Reading: Schools can encourage parents to prioritize reading at home by setting aside dedicated time for reading, creating cozy reading spaces, and establishing family reading routines. They can also provide guidance on selecting age-appropriate books and fostering a love of reading in children.
6. Parent Involvement in School Activities: Schools can involve parents in literacy-related activities within the school community, such as volunteering in the library, participating in reading buddy programs, and organizing literacy-themed events. This promotes collaboration between home and school in supporting literacy development.
7. Celebrating Literacy Achievements: Schools can celebrate and recognize students' literacy achievements both at school and at home. This can include awards ceremonies, student showcases, and praise for progress in literacy skills. Recognizing and celebrating literacy accomplishments motivates students and reinforces the importance of literacy learning.

    By fostering a strong partnership between home and school, educators can maximize the support for children's literacy development and help ensure that all students have the skills they need to succeed academically and in life.

 

References:

1. College of Education at Illinois State University. (2023). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FlguMR1uU8I
2. Kapur, R. (2019). Significance of Basic Literacy Skills. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335927482_Significance_of_Basic_Literacy_Skills
3. Salupan, B. (2021). Basic Strategies for Developing Literacy. Retrieved from https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/6322287332046467902/7527483683138427195
4. Smith, P. (2018). Basic Literacy. Retrieved from https://www.yorklibraries.org/shrewsbury-paul-smith/2018/03/06/basic-literacy/
5. UNESCO. (2024). What you need to know about literacy. Retrieved from https://www.unesco.org/en/literacy/need-know
6. Basic and Intermediate Literacy. Retrieved from https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-hccc-childrenslit/chapter/basic-and-intermediate-literacy/

Basic Literacy by Niño D. Estolas, M.Ed., LPT is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0