Course Description

This course focuses on theoretical and developmentally appropriate teaching methods in language and literacy for children from birth to age eight. Theories in language development, including second language acquisition, as well as the needs of English language learners are examined. Participants will explore research-based early literacy teaching strategies for engaging children in integrated listening, speaking, reading, and writing experiences. There is an emphasis on incorporating content area standards and developing hands-on learning experiences for young children. Additionally, developmentally effective assessments are discussed as a means of guiding instruction.

This graduate course is 4 weeks.



Topics and Objectives

Language Development and Milestones

  • Compare the differences between voice, speech, and language.
  • Examine the three major theories of language.
  • Investigate the parent/caregiver’s role in language development.
  • Identify language milestones from birth to age eight.
  • Discuss the resources available to identify and support language development concerns.

Infants and Toddlers: 0–36 Months

  • Describe the stages and milestones of language development for infants and toddlers.
  • Distinguish between receptive and expressive language and discuss the role of each in infant language development.
  • Summarize what it means to be in the prelinguistic stage of language development.
  • Identify literacy concepts acquired from early reading experiences and drawing.
  • Examine developmentally appropriate teaching strategies and activities to promote language skills and literacy development in infants and toddlers.
  • Identify the characteristics of environments that promote language and literacy development for toddlers.
  • Develop hands-on learning experiences that promote early literacy for English-only speakers and English language learners.

Preschool: Ages 3–5

  • Define emergent literacy.
  • Summarize reading and writing development in typically developing preschool children.
  • Compare the importance of verbal skills (vocabulary, listening, speaking, semantics, and syntax) and later success in reading.
  • Develop strategies to promote literacy skills and a print-rich environment in the classroom.
  • Determine ways to integrate English language learners in the preschool classroom.

Primary: Ages 6–8

  • Examine patterns of language development including phonology and pragmatics for English-only speakers and English language learners in the primary years.
  • Identify the stages of reading and writing development in the primary years.
  • Analyze the learning needs of English language learners to help promote literacy in primary years.
  • Develop direct learning experiences to support language and literacy development in the primary years.
  • Evaluate the role of assessments for guiding literacy instruction.




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Section Title
Instructor Led
T, M
12:00AM to 11:59AM
Oct 22, 2019 to Nov 18, 2019
Online Campus
Online Non-Degree
Schedule and Location
Contact Hours
  • Online Campus
Course Fee(s)
Section Fees
Resource Fee $75.00 Mandatory
3 Credit Hours
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