COURSE DESCRIPTION

Presents techniques and methods for encouraging the development of language and perceptual skill in young children. Stresses improvement of vocabulary, speech, and methods to stimulate discussion. Surveys children's literature, examines elements of quality story telling and story reading, and stresses the use of audiovisual materials. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

GENERAL COURSE PURPOSE

To develop the student's skills in preparing, presenting, and evaluating preschool language arts activities in the areas of listening, speaking, pre-reading/reading, and pre-writing/writing. The course is designed for educators teaching children in the early childhood age range.

ENTRY LEVEL COMPETENCIES

Functional literacy in the English language; reading at the 12th grade level.

COURSE OBJECTIVES

Upon the completion of this course, the student should be able to:

A. develop various teaching strategies to promote the development of language skills in young children
B. develop materials and activities suitable for supporting children's developing communication skills
C. evaluate and demonstrate use of appropriate books and media materials for children
D. identify and plan from knowledge of stages of language development in young children
E. develop and practice using techniques to assess children's language development

A. Meaning of language arts
B. Language development in the young child
C. Listening skills in young children
D. Speaking abilities of children
E. Stages of writing abilities in children
F. Emergent reading skills of young children

A. Planning and using a language arts center
B. Parent-program partnerships
C. Multi-lingual children and families