Language and Literacy for Young Learners

In this course, individuals will become familiar with the Language and Literacy strands of Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. The development of skills in each of these areas provides background for acquiring knowledge regarding the foundational skills of reading.  The California Preschool Foundations Volume 1 chapter 4 (Language and Literacy) and chapter 5 (English Language Development) serves as the core reading for this course. In addition, the Alignment of the California Preschool Foundations with Common Core standards is used to show the relationship of the Transitional Kindergarten and Kindergarten.  Topics included with the discussion of each strand include child development as it relates to that area, the importance of skill development in each individual component of language and literacy and their interrelationship, and best practices of instruction, including differentiating instruction for diverse learners including dual language learners and students with special needs.  Additional topics include the use of technology in the Transitional Kindergarten Program, creating a classroom environment supportive of language and literacy, and communication with families.

Course Number: EDUC-42413
Credit: 4.50 unit(s)