Emergent Language and Literacy: Development and Practice in Early Childhood Care and Educat

Catalog description

Fostering development of language and literacy in infants, toddlers and preschoolers. Includes children's literature and focus on home/childcare links. HD FS 233 Emergent Language and Literacy: Development and Practice in Early Childhood Care and Education (3) This course, intended for current or future providers of early childhood care and education, examines the emergence of language and literacy. It is required for the proposed Early Childhood Care and Education option to the associate degree in Human Development and Family Studies.The course emphasizes why and how to foster continuous development from first sound through recognizable speech; from initial symbol recognition through reading; from making the first mark through writing. Content also includes choosing literature appropriate for use with infants and young children and methods of integrating literature throughout the daily child care and education routine. There is a focus on developing activities centered on language and literature, and an emphasis on effective communication with parents and families. This course requires weekly experience with young children.Students will produce a portfolio demonstrating understanding of language and literacy development, competence in planning developmentally appropriate language and literacy activities for infants and young children, and competence in evaluating child care settings in terms of support for emergent language and literacy. Portfolios will also demonstrate evidence of competence in choosing and using good literature with young children, and in communicating to parents and families the importance of facilitating early language and literacy.In addition to the portfolio, students will develop files of language and literacy activities appropriate for use with infants and young children. They will also take tests related to reading and material covered in class.The course will be offered once each academic year, with an enrollment of 15-25 students.