Language and Literacy in Early Childhood

Catalog description

This course extends and deepens students understanding of literacy instruction across early childhood, with an emphasis on structured literacy grounded in the Science of Reading (SoR). Building on foundational concepts introduced in the first semester, students develop expertise in delivering explicit, systematic, and evidence-based reading and writing instruction. Core content includes the five essential reading components identified by the National Reading Panel (2000)-phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as well as writing development and instruction. The course critically examines structured literacy and the failings of balanced literacy, analyzing their impact on student learning. Students complete 25 hours of supervised fieldwork in early childhood classrooms. Fieldwork is arranged by the Clinical Fieldwork Supervisor and occurs on weekday mornings (Monday through Friday); students are responsible for transportation. Required for all Early Childhood Education majors. Prerequisite(s): EDUC 2133 .