DESIGN DEFINITION

A design is a process of work. It initiates development and innovative resolutions,

based on the demand and need of the user (SVID Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign,
n.d.).

RATIONAL DESIGN DEFINITION

Rationale Design outlines what the design needs to convey. It solves the design by
justifying each element of the process. It highlights the elements in the design solution
(Carmichael, 2016). Rational Design answers the questions what, when, who, why and
how. These answers lead to the understanding of the design concept.

WHAT IS LITERACY?

Literacy is a key factor in creating meaning around us within the world. Past
knowledge always defined literacy as the ability to read and write. Alberta Education
gives the meaning to literacy as “the ability, confidence and willingness to engage
with language to acquire, construct and communicate meaning in all aspects of daily
living.” Language is expressed as a cultural and social form of communication.
Children’s preschool ages are normally between the ages 3 to 5 years old. During
those years, emphasis is placed on the development of their reading and writing skills.
There are many tools available to educators in assisting young children with that
growth (visual – video clips, graphics – drawings and the use of words and text – both
print and digital). Pre-Schoolers will eventually learn: to communicate well, to
construct meaning from different tools, language rules and to attain, evaluate and use
information (Alberta Education, 2019).

WHEN LITERACY WAS ESTABLISHED?

The idea of literacy was first mentioned or conceptualized in 1978. Scheiber referred
to it as the ability of persons, not only using text format but also utilizing images,
music and symbols (Maposa & Wassermann, 2009).

WHO FIRST THOUGHT OF LITERACY?

The first written communication started in 3500 B.C. The first known books were
created in Rome in the 23 B.C. Within the same timing books were also initiated in
the Middle East and Asian. The time line shows the implementation of literacy over a
period of time (The University of Texas at Arlington Academic Partnerships, 2015).

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY?

Literacy is a critical factor in the growth and development of individuals and their
communities. It is directly applied to economic development. By effectively
acquiring reading, writing and basic mathematical skills can help improve the future
of each person in the society. Literacy skills grant opportunities to higher education
and employment. It decreases poverty and joblessness. Literacy will result in better
living conditions. Persons will acquire better understanding and interpretation. The
community would evolve as members become more literate. There would be more
productivity, innovation and exchanging of great ideas (LITERACY, 2010).
WHY SHOULD LITERACY START AT AN EARLY AGE?

HOW?

Introducing literacy to children at an early stage allows them to be successful in

school compared to children who are not exposed. By reading, singing talking and
rhyming to children from as early as birth stage forms a learning foundation. This
method deeply encourages literacy and language development. Children who gets the
opportunity to acquire these skills tends to learn how to read easier than other
children. They adopt an advantage throughout their years in school (Raising Readers,
2018).

There are many benefits in developing early reading children. They include
Neurological, Educational, Psychological, Social and Linguistic.

Neurological: Reading contributes towards the development of a young child’s brain.

For the first six years, children tend to learn faster than in their later years. Their brain
connections develop early, with the right stimuli from early involvements. The child’s
learning and intellectual ability would be enhanced.

Educational: Reading allows early academic success in children. They obtain higher
grades in every subject, their attention spans and attentiveness are improved, they
obtain better overall knowledge, expansion of vocabulary takes place and the
development of larger site word.

Psychological: A child who learns to read from an early stage have a tendency to grow
in self-confidence, maturity, discipline, problem solving techniques, creativity and
independence.

Social: Children who acquire reading and writing skills early are the ones who are
chosen to help their peers. They are the ones who receives certificates of
accomplishments. This increases their social status, self – image and self – confidence
among their aristocrats.

Linguistic: Children who are independent readers have a better and faster opportunity
to start writing words. These children are exposed to additional books, thoughts and
information. Their vocabulary becomes enriched, correct grammar is developed, better
writing, improved spelling and an enhance oral communication (Teach Reading Early,
2010).

Theorist Jean Piaget proposed that children think differently than adults. He
projected a stage theory of cognitive development. Piaget theory focuses on four
distinct stages which children go through from birth to adult. They are Sensorimotor
Stage, Preoperational Stage, Concrete Operational Stage and Formal Operational
Stage.

Sensorimotor Stage: occurs between the ages of birth and two years. The child learns
through sensory perception and motor interaction.

Preoperational Stage: occurs between the ages of 2 years to 6 years. This is the stage
of quick growth and development of a child. In this time frame children still struggles
to mentally manipulate information. The development of language happens in this
stage.

Concrete Operational Stage: occurs between the ages of 7years and 11 years. In this
stage children thinks more logical and rational. They are faced with difficulties with
abstract concepts.

Formal Operational Stage: occurs from age 12years to adulthood. It includes

emergence hypothetical thought. Children will be capable of reasoning about abstract
concepts and make future plans (Cherry, 2017).

Holdaway Theory was developed in year 1979. He claimed that learning to read was
a natural development as it is linked to a child’s oral language skill. Holdaway specify
that literacy growth begins in a child’s home. It is grounded by meaningful learning
experiences. He also believes that the use of big books in a classroom can re-enforce
the same feeling a child experience when reading is done at home. Four components
exist in this theory. They are Observation, Collaboration, Practice and Performance.

Observation: Children learns literacy behaviours from others. Example, members in

the home (parents) reading to them.

Collaboration: Children interacting with persons who assist with the reading process
and provides encouragement. Example interrelating with their siblings.

Practice: In order for children to develop their skills independently, correct

themselves, and partake in self-evaluation, they must be allowed to practice alone.
Example dressing themselves and brushing their teeth.

Performance: Children showing their new found reading abilities to their supporters.
Example, children reading for their parents and siblings (Types of Literacy or
Literacies, 2015).

Which theory/ies is/are most useful to early literacy?

The theories which is most useful to early literacy are Jean Jacques Rosseau, Johann
Heindrich Pestalozzi, Friedrich Froebel, John Dewey, B.F Skinner, Maria Montesorri,
Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky (Lecturer’s Notes).
References
Alberta Education. (2019). What is literacy? Retrieved 10 20, 2019, from Literacy and Numeracy /
Literacy: https://education.alberta.ca/literacy-and-numeracy/literacy/everyone/what-is-
literacy/

Carmichael, S. (2016, 5 31). Design Rational Workshop. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from in Slide Share:
https://www.slideshare.net/UXPA/design-rationale-10-steps-to-killing-it-in-design-reviews

Cherry, K. (2017, 09 18). 5 Important Child Development Theories. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from
Explore Psychology: https://www.explorepsychology.com/

Daily Montesorri. (n.d.). Montesorri Theory. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from Bringing Montessori
Education To Your Home: http://www.dailymontessori.com/montessori-theory/

LITERACY, P. (2010). THE IMPORTANCE OF LITERACY. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from Project Literacy
Central Okanagan Society: https://projectliteracy.ca/about/the-importance-of-literacy/

Maposa, M., & Wassermann, J. (2009, JANUARY). Conceptualising historical literacy - a review of the
literature. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from SCIELO: http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?
script=sci_arttext&pid=S2223-03862009000100006

Raising Readers. (2018). Why is Early Literacy Important? Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from Understanding
Early Literacy: https://www.raisingreaders.org/understanding-early-literacy/why-is-early-
literacy-important/

SVID Stiftelsen Svensk Industridesign. (n.d.). Definition od design. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from What
is Design: http://www.svid.se/en/What-is-design/Definition-of-design/

Teach Reading Early. (2010). Benefits of Early Reading. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from Teach Reading
Early: http://www.teachreadingearly.com/benefits-of-early-reading.php

The University of Texas at Arlington Academic Partnerships. (2015, 09 09). A brief history of literacy.
Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from University of Texas Arlington:
https://academicpartnerships.uta.edu/articles/education/brief-history-of-literacy.aspx

Types of Literacy or Literacies. (2015, 12 14). Theories of Literacy and Theories of Literacy
Development. Retrieved 10 21, 2019, from Theories of Literacy and Theories of Literacy
Development: https://sitwe.wordpress.com/2015/12/14/306/