Portland Community College | Portland, Oregon

The student will develop knowledge and understanding of the normal development of language in the young child and the
teacher's role in fostering and facilitating this development.  Hands-on experiences with language stimulation activities and
the application of literature will be offered.  Also, the student will assess and develop techniques for evaluating and using a variety of types of literature with the child.
 
  This is an Early Childhood Education elective course.

Upon completion of the course students should be able to:

1. Identify and define developmental stages in language acquisition.
2. Explain how children use language.
3. Identify and explain major groups of language acquisition theories.
4. Identify ways in which a teacher models language.
5. Identify the educational values of literature for young children.
6. Assess children's books for age appropriateness. 
7. Practice presenting children's literature using a variety of methods.

  This course includes lecture discussion, demonstrations, hands-on  experiences, audio-visual materials, and a variety of guest
  speakers.

  Grading policy will be distributed with a Course Handout during
  the first week of class.  Grades will be based on:
        a.   attendance and active class participation
        b.   written exam or quizzes
        c.   other methods which may include one or more
               of the following:  projects, research papers,
               book reviews, oral presentations and problem
               solving activities