COMPONENTS OF LITERACY 1
Components of Literacy: Comprehension, Spelling and Writing Assignment
Shanice Gaston
Department of Education, Liberty University
EDRS 659: Foundation and Theories of Literacy Instruction
Dr. Carrie Deel
November 26, 2023
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Comprehension
I. How students interpret literature
A. Schema theory
1. In order for a student to learn to comprehend, they lean on schemas. Schemas are
referred to as the information that has been learned but tucked away in memory
until needed at a later time.
2. Schema theory and reader response criticism both stress the importance to
comprehension of what a reader already knows (Temple et al., 2018).
B. Textual factors in comprehension
1. Readers should be aware of and comprehend the texts that they are reading in
order to have a better understanding. In order to understand a story, they must be
aware of the textual aspects that make up the structure of the story. These textual
structures are:
●Genre
●Setting
●Characters
●Theme
●Plot
C. Acts of comprehension
1. There are several different ways in which students grow their comprehension
skills. In order to do this, students must be aware of what to look for when they
are reading any type of literary text. These strategies include:
●Prior knowledge
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●Knowledge of and using vocabulary
●Visualizing the details and events that are happening as they read the story
●Knowing how to understand and follow text patterns
●Asking and answering questions
●Using inference skills
●Comprehension monitoring
●Knowing how to find the main idea using supporting details
●Summarizing the main ideas
II. Strategies for teaching comprehension
A. Anticipation phase
1. During the anticipation phase, comprehension is the cognitive stage where
expectations form, guiding the mind’s readiness for incoming information. It
primes understanding, creating a mental framework for efficient processing and
assimilation. The readers interest is piqued as they read the material and they refer
on the following tactics to better understand the text:
A. Focusing questions
B. Think, pair, share
C. Anticipation guide
D. Paired brainstorming
B. Building knowledge phase
1. In the knowledge building phase of comprehension, information is assimilated,
connections are forged and understanding deepens. Concepts weave into existing
mental frameworks, fostering a richer foundation for future insights. When
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students have completed this phase, they are now able to construct knowledge
based on their prior learning.
C. Consolidation phase
1. Consolidation in comprehension involves solidifying newly acquired knowledge,
connecting it to existing knowledge and understanding. This phase enhances
retention and promotes a deeper grasp of information for long-term memory.
During this phase, high order thinking must be enforced to deepen understanding.
III. Teaching skills specifically
●Teaching comprehension involves honing specific skills like inferencing, summarizing,
and critical analysis. By guiding students through exercises that target these abilities,
educators empower them to extract meaning, fostering a robust understanding of diverse
texts. Anchor charts and graphic organizers are a beneficial tool during this phase of
comprehension.
IV. Informational text characteristics
A. External features
●External features of comprehension include context, prior knowledge and the reader’s
purpose. These elements shape how information is understood, influencing the
effectiveness of comprehension in various contexts and subjects. These external features
also include headers, subheadings, photographs, captions, bold words, and table of
contents that are all used to improve the student’s reading comprehension.
B. Visual and graphic information
●Visual literacy is the ability to read, write and produce one’s own visual picture. When
students become visually literate, they are able to interpret, analyze, and create visual
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information as they read texts. It involves understanding images, graphics and symbols,
enhancing communication skills and fostering a deeper comprehension of visual media.
C. Internal organization
●Internal organization in comprehension involves structuring information mentally for
effective understanding and retention of the content. This element also refers to the
author’s ability to organize their work.
V. Using different components of instructional texts to instruct students
●Within this element, students have the ability to access activities that will be beneficial in
growing their knowledge and comprehension. Writing informational reports while using a
checklist, previewing informational texts, predicting table of contents, creating graphic
organizers, among several other strategies are useful in helping students expand their
comprehension (Temple et al., 2018).
VI. Using informational texts to teach
●Methods for using informational text in order to teach can be implemented in small
group, whole group or individual instruction. These activities include KWL charts,
I-charts, self-assessments, shared and closed reading and partnered reading among
several other methods (Temple et al., 2018).
Article Summary
The Role of Background Knowledge in Reading Comprehension: A Critical Review
Reading comprehension is core to academic progress, because it underpins content-area
learning in all subjects (Smith et al., 2021). Comprehension is the cornerstone of reading success,
serving as the bridge between decoding words and understanding their meaning. It goes beyond
mere recognition of individual words and involves the ability to grasp the context, infer
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meanings and connect information. Proficient comprehension skills are essential for various
reasons, impacting academic achievement, critical thinking and overall cognitive development.
This article seeks to highlight the importance of background knowledge and how it is directly
related to comprehension in young readers. Background knowledge means having pre-existing
information and experiences that provide context, aiding understanding and interpretation when
encountering new information or concepts. Background knowledge is a crucial catalyst for
effective reading comprehension. When children have prior knowledge on a subject, they are
better equipped to understand and make sense of the material they encounter. This pre-existing
knowledge serves as a mental scaffold, allowing readers to connect new information with what
they already know, facilitating a more profound understanding of the text.
In the absence of background knowledge, readers may struggle to grasp nuances, context
and subtleties embedded in the text. For instance, familiarity with historical events, cultural
references, or scientific principles greatly enhances one’s ability to comprehend related texts.
The interconnected web of knowledge creates a fertile ground for the reader to draw inferences,
make connections and derive meaning from the material. Moreover, background knowledge not
only aids in understanding individual words and phrases, but also contributes to a broader
understanding of the author’s intentions and the overall message. It serves as a cognitive bridge,
linking new information to existing mental frameworks, thereby enriching the reading experience
and fostering more comprehensive and insightful interpretations. Ultimately , the symbiotic
relationship between background knowledge and reading comprehension underscores the
significance of a well-rounded education and diverse intellectual experiences.
●YouTube Video Summary
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This particular video displayed a teacher helping her students with the element of
comprehension through whole group and individual instruction. Before the lesson began, there
was a short mini lesson on how to carefully read a passage in order to truly comprehend it.
During this short lesson, the instructor is modeling how students should think, and ask questions
in order to stimulate their thoughts to think about the reading. After the students have listened to
this model on how to read and comprehend texts, they are given the opportunity to practice on
their own. They are instructed to read a text silently, while completing a graphic organizer that
will help aid in their comprehension of what they are reading. The graphic organizer instructs the
students to give the summary of the text, while also pulling out essential words and graphics,
important ideas that the students should remember and words that they do not fully understand.
After the graphic organizer has been completed, the teacher asks the students to read the text a
second time while thinking about the things that are listed on the graphic organizer to better
understand and comprehend the story.
●Reflection
Comprehension is a skill that should be taught and implemented daily in order for
children to grow in this element. Beginning at a young age, students should be exposed to
different strategies in order to help them grow their comprehension. There are several different
approaches that parents, teachers and caregivers can use in order to grow comprehension in
children. Aside from the graphic organizer, students may also use Venn diagrams to grow their
comprehension. Skills such as reading slower to understand the text is also very useful in
teaching comprehension. As a result of this particular skill, I have a more firm understanding of
how to teach my own young child how to better comprehend texts as she begins to learn how to
read.
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Integrating technology into teaching comprehension for young learners is transformative.
Interactive e-books with audio features help develop reading comprehension by providing a
multisensory experience. Educational apps, designed with engaging visuals and interactive
exercises, making learning enjoyable while reinforcing comprehension skills. Online platforms
offer interactive comprehension activities, quizzes, and discussions, fostering collaborative
learning experiences. Virtual field trips and educational videos provide real-world context,
enhancing comprehension through visual and auditory stimuli. Adaptive learning technologies
personalize content, catering to individual needs and learning styles and pace ensuring that
comprehension milestones are being met. Integrating technology not only aligns with the digital
era but also captivates young minds, making the comprehension journey dynamic, interactive,
and effective. By leveraging technology, educators can create an immersive learning experience
and environment that nurtures comprehensive understanding in young learners.
Spelling
I. Spelling development stages
A. Invented spelling
This is the very first stage of spelling development for young learners. As students begin to learn
how to spell, invented spelling involves them forming words on their own. Children who have
reached this stage of spelling take it upon themselves to try to develop their own kind of written
communication (Temple et al., 2018).
B. Prephonemic spelling
The use of prephonemic spelling is usual for children in preschool and kindergarten who are just
starting out (Temple et al., 2018). In the prephonemic spelling state, children use symbols for
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writing before grasping letter-sound relationships, expressing early attempts at spelling without
phonetic accuracy.
C. Early phonemic spelling
Early use of phonetic spelling is characterized by many young children in kindergarten and the
beginning of first grade (Temple e tal., 2018). Early phonemic spelling involves children using
basic letter-sound relationships. They begin representing sounds more accurately in their writing,
demonstrating a developing understanding of phonetics and language structure.
D. Letter name spelling
Children within the grades of first, second and third grade are typically considered to be within
this stage (Temple et al., 2018). During this stage, young children may not spell the words
correctly but you are able to identify the words that they were meaning. For example, they will
spell “school” as “skool.” They are aware of letter sounds but not completely fluent in how
letters make up certain blends.
E. Orthographic spelling
During this stage, children are beginning readers and have a better understanding of spelling
words. This stage includes learning onsets and rimes and mastering the short vowel and long
vowel sounds. Children who are at this stage of development might spell the word “love” and
“above” as “luv” and “abuv” (Temple et al., 2018).
F. Morphological spelling
Children at this stage have the ability to spell words with inflectional ending such as -s and -ed
and they also have the ability to spell and utilize grammatical language appropriately (Temple et
al., 2018).
G. Derivational spelling
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During this stage, children see words as having family links, and they are able to use this to help
them construct meaning out of words and grasp what they imply. Students who have reached this
point in their education are able to comprehend homophones (Temple et al., 2018).
H. Teaching children to spell
There are several approaches that can be taken in order to teach children how to spell. These six
types of syllables that are most effective and commonly used are employing multimodal study,
teaching morphemes, learning words by spelling patterns, and employing differentiated
test-retest procedures (Temple et al., 2018).
●Article Summary
Predictors of Writing Success: How Important Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation?
Giving children the opportunity to write gives them the opportunity to reflect on their
personal lives, while being creative and giving their writing meaning. Single draft, single
authored compositions created at school desks with pen and paper, under restricted time and in
response to imposed topics and text types are quite different from writing for authentic purposes
(Daffern et al., 2017). Grammar, spelling and punctuation are all very important aspects of the
writing purpose that should be taught daily in order for children to become successful writers.
Learning to write is paramount as it cultivates effective communication, sharpens critical
thinking and nurtures self-expression. Writing is a skill that transcends academic boundaries,
shaping success in various professional endeavors. It not only conveys ideas clearly but also
refines analytical abilities, promoting logical and coherent thought processes. Additionally, the
act of writing fosters creativity and self-discovery, allowing individuals to articulate their
thoughts, emotions, and perspectives. In the digital age, proficient writing skills are vital for
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online communication, from emails to social media. Mastering the art of writing equips
individuals with a powerful tool for personal, academic and professional achievement.
For young writers, mastering spelling, grammar, and punctuation is a fundamental
cornerstone of effective communication and intellectual development. These elements are the
building blocks that shape clear, precise, and coherent expression. A solid command of spelling
ensures that words are accurately conveyed, preventing misunderstandings and enhancing the
credibility of one's writing. Grammar serves as the structural foundation, allowing writers to
organize thoughts and ideas logically. Proper sentence construction enhances the flow of writing
and aids in conveying intended meanings. Punctuation, on the other hand, acts as the nuanced
guide, indicating pauses, emphasis, and relationships between ideas. Beyond the immediate
benefits of clear communication, proficiency in spelling, grammar, and punctuation instills
discipline in thinking and writing. It hones attention to detail and cultivates a respect for
linguistic precision. This mastery is indispensable in academic settings, where adherence to
language conventions is integral to scholarly success. Furthermore, as young writers transition to
various professional and creative pursuits, a strong command of language becomes a
distinguishing and professionalism that proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation bring to
written communication. In essence, these foundational skills empower young writers to articulate
their thoughts effectively, fostering intellectual growth and opening doors to future opportunities.
●YouTube Video Summary
After the lesson during this particular video, the teacher implemented successful tactics
and strategies that would be beneficial in assisting young students in learning new words and
letter sounds. For this particular lesson in the video, the curriculum “Words Their Way” was
utilized to enhance the student’s ability to spell. The teacher began this lesson by giving the
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students a new set of vocabulary words that followed the rules of the long vowel sounds that are
produced by the double vowel pattern. After this list was passed out to the students, she gave
them each a word sort that they were instructed to complete. The students were in charge of
sorting the words by certain rules, such as: listening for the “ai” sound at the beginning of the
word, “oa” sound in the middle, or second within words, “ee” sounds at the end of the word or
hearing it third and hearing the “ea” sounds at the end of the word. In sorting these words
following these patterns, the students were able to focus on specific words and sounds instead of
being overwhelmed by all of the words at once. In order to integrate reading into this lesson, the
teacher asked questions that the students could relate to in order for them to better understand the
lesson. Setting this foundation for the students made it easier for them to understand the rules
and spellings of the new vocabulary word list that was passed out at the beginning of the lesson.
●Reflection
Teaching young children how to spell words correctly is a skill that they will use beyond
grade school. When students are able to spell fluently, they are easily able to expand their
vocabulary and grow their word banks. Learning how to spell words lays a solid foundation that
children can rely on even as they become adults and venture into their careers in the real world.
Children who have a strong grasp on spelling patterns, letter sounds and foundational words are
more likely to succeed academically and advance through different levels of school more easily.
Integrating technology for spelling with young learners can provide an engaging and
interactive approach to learning. There are various ways in which this can be done, such as using
spelling apps or online games that offer fun exercises and activities that practice spelling. These
tools often provide instant feedback, allowing children to self-correct and learn from their
mistakes. Additionally, technology can offer a personalized experience by adapting to the child’s
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level and providing targeted instruction and practice. Teachers can also use interactive
whiteboards or tablets to display spelling words or sentences for the whole class to practice
together. Moreover, technology can provide visual and auditory aids, helping young learners to
better understand and memorize spelling patterns and rules. However, it is important to
remember that technology should not replace traditional teaching methods, but rather be used as
a supplement to enhance spelling instruction and cater to different learning styles and
preferences.
Writing
I. 5 parts of the writing process
A. Rehearsing
This stage consists of the generation, selection, and sorting of ideas to write about, as well as the
consideration of purpose and audience, both of which will affect the genre selection and
organizational stage (Temple et al., 2018).
B. Drafting
When students record their thoughts on paper, they are entering into the drafting stage. This stage
requires careful attention to the creation of the piece. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are also
key factors in this stage that must be taken into consideration. The drafting stage is the location
where ideas can added or removed, and where it is always acceptable for mistakes to be made
(Temple et al., 2018).
C. Revising
During this particular stage of the writing process, the writer refines and reshapes their work.
The author focuses on the structure, clarity and coherence, addressing issues such as
organization, grammar, and style to enhance the overall effectiveness of the writing. In the
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classroom, teachers will conduct conferences with the students to discuss the draft and how to
make it better with different ideas.
D. Editing/Proofreading
During the editing and proofreading process of this stage, the writer is very careful to pay close
attention to the grammar, punctuation and spelling within the writing piece. Writing scrutinizes
sentence structure, ensuring clarity and consistency. This phase aims to eliminate errors and
polish the text, enhancing its overall quality and presenting a polished and professional final
product. Following a significant amount of directed practice, students can be assisted in
transitioning into independent proofreading to identify and correct their own faults (Temple et
al., 2018).
E. Publishing
The process of publishing entails giving careful consideration to the structure and presentation of
the content in order to get it ready for distribution to the readers (Temple et al., 2018).
II. Writing supports
A. Writing workshops
Writing workshops for young readers and writers fosters creativity and literacy skills. Through
engaging activities, participants explore storytelling, develop writing techniques, and receive
constructive feedback. These workshops cultivate a love for writing, empowering young minds
to express themselves effectively and confidently while nurturing a lifelong appreciation for
literature. Activities that assist the growth of writers of all ages, such as shared writing,
interactive writing, guided writing, writing frames, and independent writing are all a part of the
writing workshop in order to help young writers become fluent (Temple et al., 2018).
III. Writing using different genres
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A. Journals and person writing
This type of writing can take the form of a dual-entry diary or a dialogue journal (Temple et al.,
2018). Journals empower young students by providing them with a private space to explore their
thoughts and emotions. This reflective practice nurtures self-awareness, creativity and improved
writing skills.
B. Stories
Story writing for young writers fosters imagination, language skills, and emotional intelligence.
It also encourages creativity, self-expression, and the development of essential communication
abilities from an early age.
C. Poems
There are many different types of poem that young children can become familiar with as they
explore the writing process. Poem writing for young children sparks creativity, hones language
skills and encourages emotional expression. It instills a love for language and self-discovery
through the beauty of verse.
D. Expository writing
Expository writing equips students with research and analytical skills. It fosters critical thinking,
clarity organization and the ability to convey information effectively while also preparing tjem
for academic and professional success.
IV. Writing assessments
Writing assessments evaluate a person’s writing proficiency. They measure skills like grammar,
structure and coherence, providing insights into an individual’s ability to communicate
effectively through written expression. There are many approaches that a teacher can take when
evaluating a student's ability to write fluently. These include:
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1. Rubrics
2. Six traits writing evaluation
3. Six traits rubric
V. Learning to write
●Article Summary
Writing is something that students can practice and be exposed to in a variety of different ways,
including learning logs, i-search projects, entrance and exit cards (Temple et al., 2018).
Academic Literacy: The Importance and Impact of Writing Across the
Curriculum - A Case Study
Effective writing is a skill that is grounded in the cognitive domain that involves learning,
comprehension, application and synthesis of new knowledge (Defazio et al., 2010). Encouraging
young writers to engage in writing across the curriculum is a pedagogical approach that extends
beyond traditional language arts classes, offering myriad benefits for intellectual development.
This interdisciplinary practice enhances critical thinking, communication skills, and the ability to
apply knowledge in diverse contexts. When students write across the curriculum, they are
challenged to articulate their understanding of subject matter from various disciplines, fostering a
deeper comprehension of complex concepts. This process not only reinforces content knowledge
but also sharpens analytical skills as students learn to express ideas clearly and coherently in
different contexts. Moreover, writing across the curriculum cultivates a sense of versatility and
adaptability in communication. Students learn to tailor their writing style to suit the conventions
of different disciplines, whether it be crafting a scientific report, a historical analysis, or a
mathematical explanation. This adaptability is a valuable skill in both academic and professional
settings, where effective communication often requires context-specific approaches.
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Incorporating writing across the curriculum also nurtures creativity. As students apply writing
skills to diverse subjects, they discover new ways to express ideas and engage with content. This
cross-pollination of creativity across disciplines contributes to a holistic intellectual
development. Furthermore, writing serves as a powerful tool for assessment. It provides
educators with insights into students' comprehension, analytical abilities, and critical thinking
skills across various subjects. Writing assignments become a means of gauging not only what
students know but how well they can articulate and apply their knowledge. Ultimately, the
importance of young writers engaging in writing across the curriculum lies in its ability to
transcend disciplinary boundaries, fostering well-rounded individuals capable of thinking
critically, communicating effectively, and adapting to the multifaceted demands of the academic
and professional worlds. This integrative approach to writing lays the foundation for a lifelong
skill set that goes beyond individual subjects, preparing students for success in a
knowledge-intensive and interconnected society.
●YouTube Video Summary
Young writers are vital contributors to society, shaping our future with their unique
perspective and creative insights. Their voices, often untethered by convention, bring fresh ideas
and challenge norms. Writing empowers them to articulate their dreams, fears and aspirations,
fostering empathy and understanding among generations. As they navigate the complexities of
language, young writers develop critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills
essential for success. Moreover, writing nurtures self-discovery, confidence and resilience. By
championing the importance of young writers, we cultivate a generation capable of inspiring
change, fostering innovation and contributing meaningfully to the evolving narrative of our
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global community. Writing workshops should be a must have in all classroom with young writers
in order for them to grow through the stages of writing.
●Reflection
Writing is one of the most important skills that young students will learn how to do.
When teachers create opportunities for students to grow in the writing process, they are giving
them a lifelong skill. Writing plays a pivotal role in the development of young learners, nurturing
essential skills beyond mere literacy. It enhances cognitive abilities, promoting critical thinking,
creativity and effective communication. Through writing, children articulate their thoughts,
fostering self-expression and self-discovery. It serves as a tool for comprehension, helping them
understand complex ideas and emotions. Writing also hones organizational skills and attention to
detail. Moreover, it cultivates empathy as young learners explore diverse perspectives through
storytelling. A strong foundation in writing empowers students to academically and personally
while preparing them for where effective writing and communication, along with problem
solving are paramount.
Integrating technology into writing for young learners sparks creativity and enhances
engagement. Interactive writing apps and educational platforms provide a dynamic space for
explorations, allowing children to compose stories, blogs and collaborative projects.
Encouraging the use of word processing software introduces them to basic formatting and editing
skills. Digital storytelling tools, like multimedia presentations or e-books, blend technology with
narrative expression. Additionally, incorporating educational games that focus on language and
writing skills transforms learning into an enjoyable experience.
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References
Daffern, T., Mackenzie, N. M., & Hemmings, B. (2017). Predictors of writing success: How
important are spelling, grammar and punctuation? Australian Journal of Education,
61(1), 75–87.
Defazio, J., Jones, J., Tennant, F., & Hook, S. A. (2010). Academic literacy: The importance and
impact of writing across the curriculum - a case study. Journal of the Scholarship of
Teaching and Learning,10, 34–47.
Smith, R., Snow, P., Serry T., & Hammond L. (2021). The role of background knowledge in
reading comprehension: A critical review. Reading Psychology, 42:3, 214-240,
Temple, C., Ogle, D., Crawford, A., Freppon, P., & Temple, C. (2018). All children read:
teaching for literacy in today’s diverse classrooms. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson
Education, Inc
