For several years I have been researching emergent literacy and the ways in which children appropriate reading and writing conventions. Currently, one of my main research interests is the identification and characterization of contextual and personal factors which interfere in the development of emergent literacy. Among them I am especially interested in the study of motivational features and family literacy. Another significant research interest is the identification and characterization of affective components of the learning process throughout schooling, such as motivation, self-concept, self-esteem and social support from peers and parents.