How do socio-emotional factors impact literacy acquisition?

Socio-emotional factors play a crucial role in literacy acquisition by influencing a child's motivation and learning ability. When children have positive socio-emotional experiences, such as supportive family environments, peer relationships, and a sense of belonging in educational settings, they are more likely to engage with literacy tasks and persist through challenges. Conversely, negative socio-emotional experiences, such as stress, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy, can decrease motivation and hinder cognitive processes involved in learning. This diminished motivation can lead to lower engagement in reading and writing activities, resulting in slower progress in literacy skills. Understanding the link between socio-emotional health and literacy is essential for educators as it allows them to create supportive learning environments that foster both emotional well-being and academic success.