Reading, Writing and Children’s Literacy

In order to assist children in their education, educators must have a vast knowledge of various text types and how children will learn most effectively the components of each text type as well as when and where to use them within society. As educators, we need to constantly be aware of how we can support students to use language in order to learn effectively. The purpose, structure and language features of all the various text types are essential components of an educators understanding of the subject in order for them to educate students. Halliday’s functional approach to language as well as a much broader understanding of the socio-cultural approach to language is crucial to take into consideration when planning programs to educate students about language and text types.

The purpose of writing to socialise is to help writers maintain or improve relationships. It is frequently used to explain, advise, request and describe events, experiences and information important to the writer. Different text forms used to socialise include thank you notes, greeting cards, invitations, social sites, emails and letters. These forms of writing can be formal or informal in tone, depending on the relationship between the writer and the audience. This particular text type is used help to share information important to the writer, there may be an assumed knowledge of some of the content included and information is generally written as the writer would speak.

The structure and language features of this particular text type vary greatly according to the purpose and audience, but generally each will contain first and second person pronouns, specific participants, questions or statements. Concise language is used as well as simple past tense re...

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...ate fully in the society in which they live. Educators must ensure students have a deep understanding of writing as a social construct and provide students with opportunities to practice using language as a social tool so as they can express themselves with confidence.

Works Cited

Emmitt, M., Zbaracki, M., Komesaroff, L., Pollock, J. (2010). Language & learning: An introduction to teaching (5th ed.). South Melbourne VIC: Oxford university press.

Steps professional development. (2005). First steps: Writing resource book (2nd ed.). Belmont WA: Author.

Win Jan, L. (2009). Write ways: Modelling writing forms (3rd ed.). South Melbourne VIC: Oxford university press.

Winch, G., & Ross Johnston, R., & March, P., & Ljungdahl, L., & Holliday, M. (2010). Literacy: Reading, writing and children’s literacy (4th ed.). South Melbourne VIC: Oxford university press.