If you do well in this course, you will be able to:

  1. Recognize stages of language development in young children and apply this knowledge when teaching children

  2. Identify various techniques for supporting pre-emergent reading, and developing and using resources for fostering early literacy skills

  3. Apply appropriate strategies for using children's books (authentic literature) in the development of literacy strategies

  4. Assess various strategies for working with children, both individually and in groups, to foster pre-emergent literacy

  5. Develop observation and assessment techniques that promote children's developing literacy skills to provide for differentiated instruction

  6. Differentiate successful strategies to modify instruction for English language learners, and other students who made need additional support

  7. Plan an environment that promotes early literacy

  8. Identify and apply learning standards as they relate to developing language arts: the Virginia Foundation Blocks, the Child Development Milestones , the Virginia Standards of Learning, and Core Competencies for Early Childhood Professionals.

Major Topics Covered

  1. Meaning of language arts

  2. Language development in the young child

  3. Listening skills in young children

  4. Speaking abilities of young children

  5. Stages of writing abilities in young children

  6. Emergent reading skills of young children


Optional Topics