As Goodman stated, “Although it may seem obvious, it is important to remember that children’s development of literacy grows out of their experiences, and the views and attitudes towards literacy that they encounter as they interact with social groups” (317). Goodman then refers to the three “major roots” of literacy: the functions and forms of literacy events, the use of oral language about written language, along with the third: “conscious awareness about literacy, including its functions, forms, and context” (319).
My question concerns this third literacy “root”: Do you agree that in today’s society children can be “conscious” about their own literacy? How can we know that this takes place? Can we distinctly say that despite all social/cultural influences and subliminal learning, children are aware of their literacy? Or do you believe that our development of literacy is generated more from unconscious experiences?