Which approach believes that children inherently possess the ability to become literate?

The Emergent Literacy Model posits that children are naturally predisposed to develop literacy skills through their experiences and interactions with written language from an early age. This approach recognizes that literacy development begins much before formal instruction, as children engage with reading and writing in meaningful contexts. Through play, storytelling, and exposure to print, they start to understand the world of words, fostering their innate abilities.

In contrast, the Reading Readiness Model emphasizes the need for children to reach specific developmental milestones before formal reading instruction can begin. The Whole Language Approach focuses on understanding and meaning in reading rather than phonics or isolated skills, but does not specifically assert that literacy is an inherent ability. The Behaviorist Theory relies on reinforcement and behavior modification, which does not align with the idea of innate literacy potential. Thus, the Emergent Literacy Model distinctively highlights that literacy is viewed as a natural progression that children are equipped to undertake, reinforcing its suitability as the correct answer.