I will write an essay drawing on theory and research about the development of early literacy and numeracy. I will then discuss the role of play and the role of the adult in promoting early Literacy and Numeracy with young children. I hope to provide examples of play activities that can be used to support the theory.
Oxford dictionary (2017a) defines Literacy as ‘having the ability to read and write’. Early literacy develops as children develop physically and cogitatively which will enhance their later literacy skills. It begins at an early age; from birth children are spoken to and at a great deal, this is very beneficial as the sounds of words become familiar.
French (2013b, p.37) also suggests that children learn communication, language
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Aistear also states that children’s language can be more than words; they can express themselves through body movements by dancing, objects, facial features and gestures through drama and in some cases children may use sign language or braille as their form of language (NCCA 2009a, p.34).
Numeracy is defined in the Oxford Dictionary (2017b) as having the ability to work with numbers and to be able to understand them. They learn about early number concepts for example a toddler experiences ‘more’ by putting more than one object into a box and they also begin to learn about time, for babies time is ‘now’ whereas toddlers begin to anticipate ‘putting on their coats means going for a walk’ (French 2012b, p.131).
According to the Minister for the Department of Education and Skills, Ruairí Quinn, ‘early literacy and numeracy are among the most important life skills that no child should leave school without having mastered these skills to the best of their abilities’ (Department of Education and Skills 2011, p.5).
Ruairí Quinn (Department of Education and Skills 2011, p.5) then introduces the strategy that ‘literacy and numeracy skills are crucial to a person’s ability to develop fully as an individual and to live a satisfying and rewarding life and to participate fully in our