This course enables the prospective early childhood teacher candidate to understand the processes of reading and Language Arts. Candidates will be introduced, through theory and practice, to a variety of strategies for teaching early childhood and elementary reading. Candidates will become aware of ways to assess reading programs and ways to support children as they develop as readers. Candidates will also become familiar with materials used in the classroom to support literacy development. Additionally, students will learn how to create a Student and Response-Centered Classroom rich with literature, writing, speaking, and listening. They will learn to incorporate appropriate teaching strategies, assessments, and instructional media. Topics such as language development, drama, response journals, reading and writing workshops, mechanics of language and media literacy will be addressed with a hands-on approach.

Prerequisites: Candidacy Status and Permission of the Department Head

Co-requisite: ECED0403