Continuum of Reading

 Prereader (before children have a

concept of word)
 Beginning reader (as children are
building word banks)
 Instructional reader (continues through
years--advances with instruction)
 Characteristics of an Emergent
Reader
Directionality
Lacks voice to print match; no concept of
word
Focuses on illustrations when reading
Pretend reading or attempted memory
reading
Mimics a reader; uses conversational rate
Recognizes environmental print
 Emergent Writing
Approximated writing, pretend write/draw
Lacks spaces between words
Fluent “writing”
Cannot read own writing
Uses illustrations to retell a story
 Emergent Writing
Draws and begins to use graphics
Circular scribbles
Random linear marks
Letter-like symbols
Some letters but not connection to sound
Left to right print, spelling most salient
sound
 Emergent spelling
Does not understand correspondence
between letters and their sounds
Mixes scribbling, random letters, and
numerals
Begins to spell using the letters in own
name
Reversals are common as they learn to
write letters
 Emergent Spelling
1. Before a child can spell they
a. need to know a few letters
b. need to be able to write a few letters
c. need to know a few letter sound
relationships
d. need to have some level of phonemic
awareness
2. They will spell using the most salient speech
feature.
3. No spaces between "words"
Assessment of Emergent Readers
Book Knowledge (directionality, title,
author, etc)
Alphabet Knowledge
Saying the alphabet
Letter recognition (upper and lower case)
Writing the alphabet (upper and lower case)
Phonemic Awareness (syllables, rhyme,
beginning sounds)
Concept of Word
PALS
 Emergent Reader Instruction
•Finger point reading to memorized
rhymes, jingles, songs and dictations
Fluency •Repeated readings of pattern books,
40%

etc.

•Listen to stories
•Retelling stories
Comprehension 20%
•Illustrate stories, drama, flannel boards
•Concept sorts
 Emergent Reader Instruction
•Drawing and labeling
Writing •Picture captions 20%
•Pretend writing

Alphabet •Alphabetic games and activities

and •Rhyming book activities
20%
Phonemic •Writing letters
Awareness •Picture sorts by sounds and letters