This unit focuses on developing pre-service teachers’ understanding of young children’s emergent literacy skills and knowledge.  Various strategies, methods and resources used in developing these are examined. The unit involves exploration and critical evaluation of current research and practice in the emergent literacy phase covering reading, writing, speaking, listening and viewing.  Pre-service teachers will examine literacy learning theories and teaching principles and their relationship to practice.  Methods for monitoring, assessing, and planning emergent literacy development are highlighted.  The relationship between cultural, linguistic and family diversity and how these connect to literacy learning in Kindergarten / Pre-Primary is explored.