The Literacy Rope

Unlock the power of learning

The Literacy Rope’s strategies promote critical thinking and support student achievement by recognizing the interconnectedness of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills.

Stages of Literacy Development

Click on the development stage to identify the associated skills.

Emergent Learner

Emergent learners begin their journey by developing basic listening and speaking skills. As they progress, they become more aware of the relationship between sound and object, object and letter, letter and sound. Emergent learners preview sequencing and other reading and writing skills through storytelling and activities like drawing about a story, which further drives print awareness.

Early Learner

Early learners further refine their speaking, early reading skills, and writing with phonics and increasing recognition of words. They expand vocabulary by actively connecting words and sounds to develop spelling skills. Growth in reading comprehension aids in their awareness of structure in sentences, paragraphs, and texts which they can emulate in their own writing.

Transitional Learner

Transitional learners begin to read and write more complex texts while further developing their vocabulary and comprehension skills. As they progress, they improve their ability to use reading and writing strategies in interconnected ways–that is, to use writing strategies to help them understand what they are reading and to use reading strategies to help them communicate effectively in writing.

Proficient Learner

Proficient learners approach reading and writing strategically. They comprehend a wide range of texts, write for various purposes and audiences, and employ critical thinking skills to demonstrate understanding and communicate effectively.

*These stages are not necessarily linear. Children may learn literacy differently, depending on many factors.