ECD 212 - Language, Literacy and Literature in Early Childhood

 
Description
This course will provide an overview of language and literacy development in young children, birth to age 9. The relationship between oral and written language will be investigated. Students will examine and evaluate a wide variety of quality literature that can be used to facilitate children’s emerging language and literacy skills. Developmentally appropriate strategies that address the PA Early Learning Standards for language and literacy and the role of teachers and parents in promoting communication and early literacy and in creating print-rich environments will be explored. A weekly field observation in early childhood programs, schools, agencies or therapeutic setting is required. Students must have three current clearances: FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance and meet the local requirements of the field placement site.

1. Identify examples of typical developmental progression of communication and language from birth to age 9.
2. Describe developmentally appropriate strategies for promoting oral language and communication in young children.
3. Examine major approaches to early literacy.
4. Identify and define key components of literacy development (e.g. print awareness, phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabetic principle, story structure, comprehension, etc.)
5. Read and classify a wide variety of children’s literature according to genre and picture book format.
6. Identify and apply criteria for selecting quality literature that is developmentally appropriate for different ages and learning outcomes.
7. Discuss ways of promoting and integrating literacy through play, learning centers and the arts, across the curriculum.
8. Using a variety of teaching strategies, plan developmentally and culturally appropriate literacy activities and environments to address the PA Early Learning Standards for children aged B - 9.
9. Demonstrate read aloud and storytelling skills.
10. Design a model of a print-rich environment.
11. Develop strategies for promoting family literacy based on recommended early learning standards and practices.
12. Construct a NAEYC standards-based portfolio with appropriate artifacts.

1. Typical progression of language and communication development
2. Influences on language development
3. The relationship between oral language and literacy development
4. The role of imagery and representation in language and literacy development
5. Scientifically-based literacy strategies for inclusive environments
6. PA Early Learning Standards for Language and Literacy and Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening
7. Genres of literature and picture book formats
8. Children’s book authors and illustrators
9. Selecting books for different ages and learning objectives
10. Storytelling, read alouds, creative drama and movement and puppets
11. Using the arts and play to promote literacy
12. The developmental continuum of children’s writing
13. Emergent and early reading and writing across the curriculum
14. The role of parents in promoting literacy

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