What does literacy refer to?

Literacy encompasses a broad range of skills beyond just reading. It refers to the ability to read, write, listen, and speak, which are all critical components of effective communication. In the context of early childhood education, fostering literacy in children includes developing their ability to process spoken language, understand written text, express themselves through writing, and engage in listening activities. This comprehensive view of literacy prepares children for effective participation in society by ensuring they can navigate various forms of communication.

In contrast, the other options are more limited in scope. For example, reading literature highlights just one aspect of literacy, while the ability to communicate effectively is a part of literacy but doesn’t encompass all the necessary skills involved. Analyzing and interpreting texts is also a critical skill, but it represents a more advanced stage of literacy development rather than the foundational skills that the correct answer captures.