What statement accurately reflects the principle of emergent literacy theory?

• A. Literacy is innate and doesn't require practice
• B. Literacy develops gradually over time with child development
• C. Literacy is fully learned by age five
• D. Literacy depends only on formal instruction

Answer: (B)

Emergent literacy theory sees literacy as something that starts before school and grows gradually as children engage with language and print in everyday life. The statement that literacy develops gradually over time with child development matches this view, because kids build skills like print awareness, letter knowledge, and vocabulary throughongoing, meaningful experiences—shared book reading, talking about stories, environmental print, and play with writing.

This perspective emphasizes learning through interaction and practice, not inborn talent or exclusive formal instruction. It also recognizes that literacy progression continues beyond early childhood, not being fully learned by a specific age.