Literacy

Traditionally literacy has been seen simply as the technical skills needed to read and write (UNESCO, 2004). While these features remain key foundations for literacy, today’s modern world demands far more. Verbal and written communication skills, critical thinking and an ability to interpret a wide range of texts whether they be graphical, written or multimedia are all features of today’s literacy requirements (Winch et al., 2006). Literacy can no longer be seen as a fixed achievement but rather as life long learning. The changing demands of individual life and the continual progression of society and technology create an ongoing need to adapt and extend literary development to suit current individual circumstances.

If a Stage Two child can independently read and interpret a wide range of texts, produce clear, well written documents and communicate effectively with their peers and teachers (NSW BOS, 2007) can they be considered to be literate? In most cases in Australia yes, but as discussed above literacy can differ from person to person depending on the requirements of their life; culture, language and socio economic conditions are but a few of the factors that dictate what literacy means to the individual (UNESCO, 2004).