The literacy development of a Maltese six-year-old child : a case study

Abstract

The current study investigated the developmental changes in literacy which a Maltese six-year-old child passed through over twenty months. These twenty months were divided into four sections of five months each, which are referred to as phases. Throughout the study, the child has been tested on print awareness (Goodman & Altwerger, 1981); concepts about print (Clay, 1977); knowledge on functions of print (Hagen & Weiss, 1988); receptive language (Wheldall, Mittler & Hobsbaum, 1987); receptive vocabulary (Dunn, Dunn, Whetten, Pintilie, 1982); letter recognition; word building; reading and writing perceptions. Structured interviews were conducted with the Year 1 and Year 2 teachers and a class observation was conducted in the Year 2 class. A diary with inputs of Maria's work at home was updated weekly. Particular interest was given to the influence from the home environment, print awareness and school influence. Results obtained from different phases were compared to identify and highlight developmental changes.