ECH 225(3-2-4)
Fostering Emergent Literacy
The focus of this course is to examine the process of developmental literacy skills in children ages birth to eight years. The course is an in-depth experience providing students with the opportunity to recognize and describe the developmental stages in literacy acquisition. Students will be provided opportunities to identify factors that influence young children's literacy, as well as design a literacy program. Students will examine different literary genres and themes appropriate to young children with an emphasis on resources for children of culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. Guidelines for the implementation of appropriate literature-based activities will be addressed throughout the course. Students will be required to spend a minimum of 15 hours observing literacy programs and providing literacy-enhancing experiences with children.