What is one key characteristic of an emerging pre-reader?

An emerging pre-reader typically engages with a variety of texts and sounds, which is instrumental in developing foundational literacy skills. This characteristic highlights the child's exploration and interaction with print materials, such as picture books, signs, and environmental print. Through this engagement, they develop phonemic awareness, which includes the ability to notice and imitate sounds. They might also start to understand that text carries meaning, although they are not yet able to read independently or fluently.

In contrast, the ability to read full sentences independently is indicative of a more advanced reading stage, as is the effective use of advanced vocabulary and silent reading without assistance. These capabilities are usually developed later in a child's literacy journey when they have progressed beyond the emerging pre-reader stage.