WEBINAR SERIES

Early Language and Literacy Development

Kansas Head Start Association

Date(s): February 8, 15, 22, and 29 2008

Facilitator: Jhumur Mukerjee, Early Literacy Content Specialist

Description: The series will provide participants information regarding early language and literacy development focusing on oral language, phonological awareness, alphabetic knowledge, and writing development. The information with be based on key findings in research. Information on language and literacy rich environments and strategies to support language and literacy development will be presented.

NOTE: The content shared with participants during the Webinar has been developed by the Region 7 Head Start TA System, ICF International and the National Head Start Family Literacy Center at Sonoma State University.

Session 1: Setting the Stage & Children’s Communication and Language Development
Goal: Students will be introduced to key findings in early language and literacy research.
Objectives:

· Define “early language” and “literacy,” including their components and their relationship and relevance to the preschool years of development

· Describe how research has shown that experiences during the early years lay the foundation needed for later success in conventional reading and writing for all children

Goal: Students will understand how to promote children’s communication and language development.
Objectives: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

· Describe the continuum of language development from infancy through age 5 years, including development of second language learning

· Describe how to support vocabulary and language development through materials, activities, and enriching the classroom environment

Session 2: Learning the Code (Phonological Awareness and Letter Knowledge)
Goal: Students will recognize the relationship between phonological awareness, alphabet knowledge, and reading.
Objectives: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

· Describe how to engage children in learning the code using a variety of meaningful and motivating learning experiences and teaching strategies that promote children’s phonological awareness and alphabet knowledge

· Define phonological awareness and describe why it is important and its relationship to learning the code

· Define and describe the alphabetic principle and how children gain this understanding in the context of meaningful daily experiences

Session 3: Children’s Writing
Goal: Students will understand how to promote children’s early writing.
Objectives: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

· Describe the continuum of writing development (from scribbling to conventional writing)

· Embed a variety of opportunities in the daily routine for children to engage in writing that will sustain their interest in writing and print

Goal: Students will be able to explain the importance of adapting literacy strategies for the individual learning styles, needs, and interests of all young children.
Objectives: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

· Discuss individualized goals and adapting literacy materials for children with disabilities and special learning needs

· Describe how to incorporate cultural and linguistic diversity when planning early literacy environments and activities for second language learners

Session 4: Books and Print Awareness
Goal: Students will be able to explain how adults support the development of (1) concepts of print and (2) knowledge and love of books.
Objectives: Upon completion of this module, students will be able to:

· Describe various strategies to promote print awareness, including functional print, environmental print, and book handling skills

· Describe various strategies for engaging children with books, including reading aloud, shared reading, and independent reading

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