How is what children know about reading and writing before they can actually engage in these activities termed?

The term "Early Literacy" refers to the knowledge and skills that children develop in the years before they can read and write. This encompasses a range of competencies, such as understanding that print carries meaning, recognizing letters, and developing phonemic awareness—essentially the building blocks that prepare children for the formal education of reading and writing.

Early Literacy includes various activities that promote reading and writing skills even when children are not yet engaged in those activities themselves. For example, listening to stories, participating in conversations, and playing with letters and sounds all contribute to their eventual ability to read and write. By reinforcing these foundational skills in early childhood, caregivers and educators can significantly enhance a child's readiness for literacy as they grow.

The focus on this early stage underscores the importance of nurturing literacy skills in informal settings, making it a foundational aspect of child development.