Which type of literacy occurs when stories are read to children?

Literacy socialization is the process through which children learn the conventions of reading and the significance of written language in their culture. When stories are read to children, it serves multiple functions essential in literacy development, including fostering an understanding of narrative structure, expanding vocabulary, and promoting a love for reading.

This type of literacy goes beyond mere recognition of words or phonics skills, focusing instead on how children interact with and derive meaning from stories in social settings. Through listening to stories, children become engaged in discussions, develop comprehension skills, and begin to understand the context in which literacy exists within their lives.

In contrast, other types of literacy such as functional literacy, emergent literacy, and comprehension literacy focus on different aspects of reading skills or abilities. Functional literacy emphasizes the ability to read and write in practical contexts, while emergent literacy pertains to the foundational skills and knowledge that lead to effective reading and writing. Comprehension literacy directly concerns the understanding of written texts but does not capture the broader socialization process that occurs when children are read to. Thus, literacy socialization encapsulates the holistic experience of engaging with stories, highlighting its importance in developing literacy in young children.