What does orthography refer to in the context of literacy development?

Orthography, in the context of literacy development, refers specifically to the visual conventions that dictate how a language is written. This encompasses elements such as spelling, punctuation, and the overall structure of a written language. It is concerned with the correct way letters are combined to form words and how those words are presented in written form.

This understanding is critical for developing reading and writing skills, as effective communication requires mastery of these conventions. The study of orthography lays the foundation for students to be able to write accurately and to decode text when reading, making it a core component of literacy education.

While spelling common words correctly is an important aspect, it is just one facet of orthography rather than its full definition. Fluency in reading, although closely related, focuses more on the speed and accuracy of reading rather than the conventions of writing. Thus, the emphasis on visual conventions for writing a language captures the broader, more comprehensive nature of orthography.