What term describes the foundational understanding that emergent readers have about how print represents language?

The term that describes the foundational understanding that emergent readers have about how print represents language is "concepts of print." This concept encompasses a variety of understandings that children must develop as they begin to read. It includes awareness of the direction in which text is read, the distinction between letters and words, the concept of spaces separating words, and the ability to recognize that print carries meaning.

Understanding concepts of print is crucial for emergent readers because it helps them make connections between spoken language and written symbols. For example, a child who understands that a word is made up of letters printed on a page is better equipped to understand how those words form sentences and convey ideas.

This foundational knowledge paves the way for developing further reading skills, making it essential for literacy development in early education.