Reading and Writing in the Primary Grades

EDC

310

Reading and Writing in the Primary Grades

An examination of early communication and spoken and written language in the early childhood curriculum (infancy through prekindergarten), by providing (1) an overview of how very young learners communicate and learn language, including English language learners, (2) an inquiry-based focus on practices and curricula that promote communication, talk, and emergent literacy in educational settings for children with a range of abilities, and (3) a sociocultural framework for teaching in the diverse contexts in which teachers and children can work toward social justice. This course includes one day of field work per week The course examines the theory, research, and practice of teaching reading and writing in primary (K-2) classrooms. Students (1) are aware of how children develop as listeners, speakers, readers, and writers—cognitively, socially, linguistically, culturally; (2) become familiar with a variety of instructional practices that support young literacy learners; and (3) develop a working knowledge of assessment-driven literacy instruction. In addition, several critical topics and themes are foundational to the course: working closely with families; valuing cultural diversity; exploring genre and author studies; and, developing literacy curricula for democratic classrooms. A fieldwork component of 30 hours is included. NOTE: This course has a material fee.

Fall, Spring

Undergraduate

No

030034