Literacy Definition
Critical
Literacy is an ongoing learning process that enables one to use reading,
writing, thinking, listening, speaking, and evaluating in order to effectively
interact, construct meaning, and communicate for real-life situations. An active
literate person is constantly thinking, learning, reflecting, and is assuming
the responsibility for continued growth in their own literacy development.
The process of literacy development actually begins at birth and is shaped by
the child's prior knowledge, social interactions, and cultural values and
beliefs. When learning new information, the learner uses his/her knowledge base
to access language through problem solving, meaning construction, and sharing
ideas which influences literacy growth and development (Anderson,
1994; Dauite, 2000; Dyson, 2000; Goodman, 1994; Moll, 1994; Ruddell &
Ruddell, 1994; Ruddell & Unrau, 1994).