Final answer:
Children acquire English literacy skills through a mix of biological predispositions, such as Chomsky's language acquisition device, and environmental learning, including reinforcement and bilingual education, as supported by research and theories from Skinner and studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Douglas Biklen's perspective on literacy, which aligns with researchers such as Noam Chomsky and B.F. Skinner, children acquire English literacy skills through a combination of biological predisposition and environmental interaction. Chomsky proposed that children are born with an innate language acquisition device (LAD), suggesting that the ability to learn language is hard-wired into our brains.
Additionally, studies, such as those conducted by Johns Hopkins University, indicate that bilingual education, where children are taught in both their native language and English, can lead to better language learning outcomes compared to instruction solely in English. This emphasizes the importance of nurturing both the natural abilities and the learning environment in acquiring English literacy skills.