Revised 08/2025

CHD 118 - Language Arts for Young Children (3 CR.)

Course Description

Emphasizes the early development of children's language and literacy skills. Presents techniques and methods for supporting all aspects of communication and emergent reading and writing. Addresses equitable and inclusive strategies for intervention and support. Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To prepare students to work with young children in a variety of settings, supporting all aspects of language development including listening, speaking, pre-reading and pre-writing skills.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

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

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

• Recognize stages and apply theoretical approaches in language and literacy development for young children.
• Apply appropriate strategies for using diverse materials in the development of literacy.
• Assess various strategies for understanding children in context to foster pre-emergent literacy.
• Create shared literacy experiences.
• Recognize the role of observation and assessment in language and literacy development.
• Identify and analyze assessments as they relate to language development and literacy.
• Select equitable and inclusive strategies for language and literacy instruction for all learners.
• Create an environment that promotes early literacy.
• Apply current state and national standards as they relate to language development and literacy.
• Identify and apply current state and national standards and competencies as they relate to working with children and families.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Language developmental trajectory: Typical/Atypical language development
• Communication systems
• Receptive and Expressive/Productive Language
• Emergent reading and writing
• Family role in language and literacy development.