Literacy is much more than just reading and writing. It includes the ability to read, write, speak and listen. Through literacy we develop knowledge to help us make sense of our world. Through literacy, we can access, manage, understand, integrate, communicate, evaluate, and create information. It helps us to access education and participate in life socially.
Literacy involves both productive and receptive processes. These processes are alike more so then they are different. Literacy happens in social contexts that are socially, culturally, and historically rooted. It also falls across different areas such as humanities, social sciences, science and math. Literacy goes beyond written language there can be complications and possibilities that come with that.
Students learn by reading books and other texts, but they also learn by listening to speakers, participating in discussions, and completing writing tasks on important topics. These are all important aspects of literacy development. Students should be taught different ways to use and understand language from the moment they enter the classroom. This includes reading as well as listening. Students need to be able to communicate and learn academic content.
