Emergent literacy: Motivate your young reader with a series

The moment at which a child is literally beginning to read is known as the emergent literacy period, or pre-reading stage. This stage normally occurs between the ages of four and seven. The emergent literacy period is a time when it is both beneficial and logical to introduce series books to children. When your child approaches the emergent literacy period, help them get started with series books. It's a great way to hook them and then keep them reading to encourage progression.

When it come to learning, it's best to "strike while the iron is hot." No truer words could be said about introducing a young child to the wonders of independent reading.

Originally coined by Marie Clay, the theory of emergent literacy describes how young children first begin to work and interact with actual books, even prior to having the ability to actually read and write. During this stage of a child's development, it is necessary to provide a vast array of independent reading material.

If the child is given adequate time and practice, their familiarity with written words and sounds will allow a child to develop into a successful and independent reader.

When children have moved beyond the more simplistic alphabet and nursery rhyme phase of emergent reading, series books is the next logical step in their progression toward becoming independent readers.

The key element of series books that benefits emergent readers is repetition. Series books allow children to become familiar with recurring words and repetitive characters throughout a continuing storyline.

There certainly is no shortage of fantastic series books to choose from. To get a head start, check out your library or local books store. Ask for recommendations and know there there are some many good options to help any parent or teacher to start the journey.

Regardless of which series books you decide to introduce to your child, the knowledge learned from alphabet books will carry over into this next step in your child's reading journey. Series books are the perfect next step for the emergent literacy period because a child's intrinsic motivation at its peak and the joy of just finishing a book that they enjoy keeps them wanting more.