Version: 3/20/2019 2
Additional Course Information
Topical Outline: Each offering of this course must include the following topics (be sure to include information regarding lab,
practicum, and clinical or other non-lecture instruction).
Theories of language development (behaviorism, nativism—Chomsky, social learning theory, Vygotsky, Piaget, etc.)
Early Brain Development
Role of the parent, caregiver, teacher, and other adults in stimulating children’s language Importance of conversations
and early language experiences in infancy and toddler years
Defining Language Arts (oral language and literacy-written language)
Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing
Letter recognition
Sounds of language (Phonics)
Phonemic awareness
Beginning Reading
Beginning Writing
Reading and Writing in the Elementary Years
Acquiring English as a second language (English Language Learners)
Play-based techniques for literacy
Environments for literacy
Selecting and utilizing children’s literature in a variety of content areas (language arts, math, science, social studies, and
fine arts)
And other topics deemed relevant by the instructor
National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards measured in this course:
1. Promoting child development and learning
2. Teaching and learning
3. Observing, documenting, and assessing
4. Using developmentally appropriate approaches to connect with children and families
5. Using content knowledge to build meaningful curriculum
6. Becoming a professional
Course Learning Outcomes:
Learning Outcomes – Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1. Define literacy and emergent literacy
2. Analyze various theories of language development
3. Describe the teacher's role in promoting emergent literacy
4.Create literacy environments and experiences for children
5. Select and share appropriate literature with children.
6. Reflect on developmentally appropriate practice and application of course content to Early Childhood settings
Methods of Assessment:
1-2-3. In-class assignments, midterm (with minimum of one essay question), final exam, and other quizzes
deemed necessary by the instructor. Minimum grade of 70 to meet the standard.
3-4-5.Students will submit a term project including 6 literature selections for a particular age group (birth-grade
4) and 6 literacy activities designed for the same age group. This project will be graded by a departmental
rubric with the student achieving a minimum grade of 70 points to meet the standard.
6. Written, in-class journal reflections on the weekly topic of study and its application to early childhood
settings.