Open AccessEmbodied Cognition: Laying the Foundation for Early Language and Literacy Learning
Author(s) -
Hetty Roessingh,
Michelle Bence
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
language and literacy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1496-0974
DOI - 10.20360/langandlit29435
Subject(s) - embodied cognition , foundation (evidence) , cognition , literacy , cognitive science , psychology , language acquisition , mathematics education , pedagogy , computer science , artificial intelligence , political science , neuroscience , law
For children, hands are the critical conduit for learning the world and constructing mental models of its size and shape. Such embodied cognition (EC) is mediated through language in the social environment. In this paper we review the literature and develop the conceptual underpinnings for a framework for play-based pedagogy that integrates sensorimotor, cognitive, and linguistic systems that lay the foundations for early literacy experiences expected in the kindergarten and Grade 1 year. We provide suggestions for incorporating games and tasks in a play-based program that will promote EC.