Which stage of reading is identified as the first stage?

The first stage of reading is identified as the Early Emergent Reader stage. This stage is characterized by children who are just beginning to understand the concepts of print and are developing foundational skills in reading. Early Emergent Readers are typically engaged in activities that promote awareness of letters and sounds, such as recognizing letters by name, understanding that print carries meaning, and developing phonemic awareness, which is the ability to hear and manipulate sounds in words.

During this stage, children often experience reading through various interactive and sensory activities, incorporating pictures and simple texts. They may also begin to identify some sight words and engage in shared reading experiences, which help build their confidence and enjoyment in reading. This stage lays the groundwork for more advanced reading skills that will be developed in later stages, such as beginning and developing readers, who extend their vocabulary and comprehension abilities.