Language Development

Catalog description

This course promotes students’ understanding of typical and atypical language development in the first eight years of life. The language learning process (oral, written, bilingual and second language learning) is studied as an integral part of the development of thinking and development of the child’s sense of self in home and community settings, including school. Students learn how factors such as age, sex, diverse abilities, and cultural experiences influence language competence and performance. Alternative communication systems for young children are explored. The role of play—particularly with language itself and in conversations with adults, peers, and siblings—in fostering language development is examined. Students learn how group experiences and well-chosen children’s literature can be used to maximize language and literacy development.