Page 81 - Reading Nest - The Supportive Literacy Environment Handbook

For example, Thelma Bessel-Browne (2001) from Australia has studied the use of
literacy in creative games. She has noted ten uses of literacy:

• it replaces verbal language (e.g. making symbols, followed by some
explanation);

• a source of information (cookery book);

• communication, exploration of feelings, expansion of vocabulary on feelings
and relationships (e.g. looking at books with a companion, sharing feelings

evoked by pictures);

• self-expression (expressing sadness due to a death in the family);
• identification of oneself (writing one’s name anywhere with anything);

• presentation of information (e.g. written texts);

• support to memory (e.g. making a list);
• necessity in a role play (e.g. composing a menu);

• use of model speech (e.g. copying text from labels);

• imitation (e.g. playing writing).

When children have opportunities to freely express themselves, outcomes may be

exciting and comprise funny and even deep, thought-provoking work.

The following section takes a closer look at its most important functions.