Longitudinal study on early literacy and subsequent performance in Turkish low-SES children

ERGİN F. E., İMİR H. M., KAYNAK EKİCİ K. B., BEKTAŞ N., ÇAMURCU Ş., KURNAZ R., ...More

Early Childhood Research Quarterly, vol.71, pp.174-182, 2025 (SSCI, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ecresq.2025.01.002
  • Journal Name: Early Childhood Research Quarterly
  • Journal Indexes: Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, ASSIA, Periodicals Index Online, Child Development & Adolescent Studies, EBSCO Education Source, Education Abstracts, ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Linguistics & Language Behavior Abstracts, Psycinfo
  • Page Numbers: pp.174-182
  • Keywords: Early literacy, Longitudinal research, Low-SES, Reading, Writing
  • Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This longitudinal study examines the predictive role of early literacy on subsequent literacy outcomes in Turkish-speaking children from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Following 292 children from preschool to first grade, it highlights early literacy proficiency as a strong predictor of later reading ability. Regarding writing skills, phonological awareness, expressive language, listening comprehension, and letter recognition are crucial indicators, with variations across measures. The study underscores the importance of these factors while noting non-significant correlations between letter knowledge and reading. It reveals deficiencies in letter knowledge among low-socioeconomic status (SES) preschoolers, attributed to limitations in the national preschool program and potential disparities in life experiences. This research advances understanding of literacy development in low SES contexts, advocating for a reevaluation of national preschool education program and emphasizing the need for ongoing support and research in impoverished communities to improve literacy outcomes.