Play-Based Emergent Literacy Development in the Home Environment

Abstract

This research study explores the connection between play and literacy in the home environment. Specifically, it focuses on how play based learning in the home environment helps children with their emergent literacy development, while investigating the types of play children are involved in, and the types of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and viewing that are embedded in the children’s play. This study took place twice a week for four weeks with two emergent literacy learners in their home environment in Western New York. The collected data include formal and informal field notes from observations, interview questions, and an attitude survey. Findings suggest that play based learning in the home environment definitely helps children with their emergent literacy development. There is always some type of connection between play and literacy. It is important for researchers and educators to continue studying and researching this play-literacy connection. It is essential that literacy educators make learning as enjoyable as possible for children.