Description
Focused on exploration of how young children learn language and literacy, the course will investigate the interaction between symbolic development, language, and literacy acquisition in children birth through five years of age. Development of strategies to encourage language and literacy in very young children is also covered.
Course Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of key developmental milestones for children birth through age five and how these specifically impact the development of symbolic representation and literacy development in young children from diverse backgrounds
- Demonstrate an understanding of various theoretical and historical perspectives related to language/literacy development and how these impact caregivers’ and teachers’ interactions with children
- Demonstrate an understanding of specific aspects of language development including the development of oral language, drawing/writing, and phonetic and phonemic awareness, and strategies effective teachers of very young children (and parents) implement to encourage such aspects of literacy development
- Be able to identify the key ideas related to developmental appropriate practice (DAP) as well as specific DAP strategies/interactions that encourage literacy development in very young children
Prerequisites
Semester
E/O Spring