CIL 540 Early Literacy Development and English Learners

The course will study and analyze paths to early and emergent English literacy by children speaking first languages other than English, with focus on Spanish-speaking children. Differences and similarities between literacy acquisition and learning by native speakers and English language learners will be studied through the lenses of phonological awareness, phonics skills, vocabulary acquisition, early decoding, and early writing, with native language considered an asset, not deficit. Best practices will be highlighted and demonstrated. Assigned course requirements include the completion of seven observational/clinical hours. Pre-requisite(s):None. Co-requisite(s): None. 1 semester hour