Emergent Literacy in the Elementary Classroom, Knipes, Spring 2020

Course Number:	EDU 5620 C12
Instructors:	Melissa Knipes
Location:	Two meetings in person, January 25 and March 7: 9:00-4:00. The rest of the time is online.
Dates and Times:	January 25 - March 28, 2020
Credits:	3 graduate
Tuition:	$975

Note: Please register online. Purchase order or payment, payable to CASTLETON UNIVERSITY, is due at the time of registration. Please mail the check to: Financial & Registration Services, Castleton University, 62 Alumni Drive, Castleton, VT 05735. To help us ensure that your payment is applied to the correct course, PLEASE WRITE “CFS” IN THE CHECK MEMO LINE. Thank you.

Course Description

This course will examine the development of literacy skills in early childhood from PreK through grade 3. The areas of focus will include language development, listening, speaking, reading, and writing to enhance literacy growth. An emphasis will be on current theories, teaching methods, assessment tools, intervention strategies and parent involvement.

Audience: Elementary Teachers, Literacy Interventionists, Reading Specialists, Special Education Teachers

Course Goals

Course Goals:

Students will evaluate curriculum as it relates to early literacy development.
Students will collaborate on appropriate teaching methods for PreK through grade 3 students.

Course Objectives: Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Create a literacy rich environment with accessible materials and varied

experiences.

Employ effective strategies to support emergent readers and writers.
Explain how language and literacy are intertwined.
Describe the role of phonological, phonemic awareness and phonics.
Describe the value of reading aloud to children and connecting with parents.
Assess achievement frequently, match instructional strategies and use multiple

formats for evaluating a student’s reading behavior.

Required Readings:

(required texts not included in cost of course)

Morrow (2015) Literacy Development in the Early Years. Pearson Allyn and Bacon, MA.

Cunningham (2017) Phonics They Use: Words for Reading and Writing. Pearson Allyn and Bacon, MA.

Other Suggested Readings/Texts:

Moats (2010) Speech to Print: Language Essentials for Teachers. Brookes Publishing, MD.

Wood (2018) Yardsticks, Children in the Classroom Ages 4-14. NEFC, MA.

For additional course information

Melissa Knipes
(802) 775-3838

For additional registration information

Bethany Sprague
(802) 468-1325