LAYING A FIRM FOUNDATION FOR LITERACY ACQUISITION FROM HOME THROUGH (LITERACY)PRINT-RICH ENVIRONMENT

Abstract

Literacy remains the life wire to every educational achievement because of its indispensable roles in fostering formal learning. It is the most important step towards any nation’s economic and social growth. Literacy is all about empowerment, which increases awareness and influences the behaviours of individuals, families and communities. Many researchers have repeatedly confirmed that majority of Nigerians especially the youths cannot read basically due to poor foundation in reading or apathy for reading. Literacy culture is best imbibed when a child is still growing up; just like every other developmental task. It has its critical stage when it is best assimilated. The crux of this study is to appraise ways through which a solid foundation in literacy could be laid from the home front. This is because genetics and environment have major parts to play in the development of a child. Therefore issues like: home environment; importance of literacy–rich environment and facilitations and scaffolds in print-rich environment for functional literacy are examined in this paper with respect to their roles towards laying a firm foundation for literacy acquisition. It recommends and concludes that in the homes, there should be a solid base for literacy acquisition through exposing children to literacy materials such as murals, desuggestopadia, and access to print as channels for laying and sustaining life-long literacy learning.