ECE 358.02E Language Acquisition and Development in Early Childhood Education COURSE SYLLABUS: Spring 2014 Jennifer Jeffus M.Ed. Phone: 214-725-0381 Email Address: j_jeffus@hotmail.com COURSE INFORMATION Materials: Textbook: Morrow, Leslie Mandel (2012). Literacy Development in the Early Years: Helping Children Learn to Read and Write (7 th Edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon, latest edition Course Description: This course explores children s language and linguistic development, with special emphasis given to the nature and function of language, theories of language acquisition, language and cognition, developmental stages in learning to talk, dialectical differences, and partnering with parents to foster language and literacy development. Course Goal: This course surveys the literature on language in relation to children s linguistic development. Special emphasis will be given to such topics as the nature and function of language, theories of language acquisition, language and cognition, and developmental stages of language and learning to read. Course Objectives: 1. To explore language acquisition theories 2. To trace language development in young children 3. To examine the research related to language and education 4. To understand the rationale for ECE language arts 5. To identify the process of oracy and literacy development 6. To demonstrate various materials and methodology for presentation of an integrated language program. 7. To develop a knowledge base of children s literature 8. To assess techniques for integrating the language arts skills
COURSE REQUIREMENTS 1. Professional Behaviors: (100 points) o Attendance online is expected; regular, consistent participation is important. We do important things every week of class don t miss it. Excessive absences (may prompt an administrative withdrawal. o Professional courtesy: during class I expect you to be actively engaged in discussions and courteous to other class members. Read textbook assignments, supplemental reading assignments, lecture notes and possible PowerPoint presentations. 2. Exams: midterm and a final (100 points each Total 200 points) 3. Assignment 1: Develop an annotated list of 50 children s books, 10 books in each of 5 genres (100 points) Fiction Realistic Fiction Fantasy/Fairy Tale Picture Books Nonfiction/Expository Biography/History Science 4. Assignment 2 (part 1): Prepare and present five phonological awareness activities (10 points each total 50 points) 5. Assignment 2 (part 2): Prepare and present two storytelling activities (10 points each total 50 points) Grading Your final grade will be determined by the number of points you earn for the semester. A B C D F 450-500 points 400-449 points 350-399 points 300-349 points 348 points or less TECHNOLOGY REQUIREMENTS All students must have access to email and adequately functioning computer equipment. To use the university s online resources, students need a computer and an Internet service provider (ISP). Students also need an Internet browser, an email account, and a word processing program. Microsoft Word works well. Please save all documents as.doc or.docx. A working familiarity with hardware and software is advantageous before entering the program. The following information has been provided to assist you in preparing to use technology successfully in this course.
o The following technology is required to be successful in this course. o Internet connection high speed recommended (not dial up) o Word Processor (Microsoft Office Word 2003 or 2007) o Access to University Library site o Access to an Email COMMUNICATION AND SUPPORT The most effective way of reaching me during the week is through email. I will check the email address listed on this syllabus daily. I will do my best to respond to you in a timely manner, within 24-48 hours. Please feel free in the event of an emergency to call me on my cell phone which is listed on this syllabus. Course Specific Procedures: COURSE AND UNIVERSITY PROCEDURES/POLICIES Citizenship: All Students enrolled at the University shall follow the tenets of common decency and acceptable behavior conducive to a positive learning environment. (See Student s Guide Handbook, Policies and Procedures, Conduct). Late Work: Late work is not accepted. You will have plenty of notification and time to complete course assignments. See course semester outline at the bottom of this syllabus. Plagiarism: Plagiarism will result in a grade of F for the assignment and possibly the course. Further infractions could result in dismissal from the teacher education program. Plagiarism consists of copying directly from a source without properly citing the source. It is also using someone else s work and claiming it as your own. Please cite your references in APA format. Attendance Attendance at all class meetings is required and is essential to your success in this course. It is a requirement of this class to sign your name tent upon arrival to document your participation each class meeting. For each absence a written letter is required to be placed in your file. No excuses will be given without written documentation. If you miss three or more classes you may be asked to drop the course. All absences will result in points taken off your professionalism grade. Participants are expected to be on time and stay for the entire time. If you choose to be late or leave early points will be deducted from your professionalism grade. If you miss class it is your responsibility to find someone who can give you notes for the previous class meeting. I will not bring additional copies of handouts to class. Select a buddy who will be willing to collect any material and take notes for you when you are out. Written Assignments: All assignments must be typed, double space, in legible (preferably times roman) 12 pt font. College level writing is expected. If you feel insecure about your writing abilities you may want to seek assistance from the writing lab in the department of literature and languages. They will not assist with spelling. Please make sure someone proofs your paper.
Excessive grammar, spelling and vocabulary errors will result in a lower grade. You should demonstrate mastery of organizing, structure and editing. University Specific Procedures: ADA Statement The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact: Office of Student Disability Resources and Services Texas A&M University-Commerce Gee Library 132 Phone (903) 886-5150 or (903) 886-5835 Fax (903) 468-8148 StudentDisabilityServices@tamu-commerce.edu Student Disability Resources & Services
COURSE OUTLINE / CALENDAR Date Topics Assignments Due Week 1 Introduction Syllabus 1/16 Week 2 1/23 Chapters 1 & 2 Foundations of Early Literacy Development and Assessment in Early Literacy Week 3 1/30 Chapter 3 Literacy and Diversity Week 4 Chapter 4 2/6 Week 5 2/13 Week 6 2/20 Week 7 2/27 Week 8 3/6 Week 9 3/20 Week 10 3/27 Week 11 4/3 Week 12 4/10 Week 13 4/17 Week 14 4/24 Week 15 5/1 Week 16 5/8 Language and Vocabulary Chapter 5 Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and More Finish Phonics and Phonemic Awareness Review for Midterm Midterm Week Chapter 6 Comprehension Chapter 7 Writing, Spelling, & Literacy Development Chapter 8 Motivating Reading & Writing Children s Literature Chapter 9 Organizing and Managing the Literacy Program Chapter 10 Family Literacy Review for Final Exam Finals Week Present Phonemic Awareness Activities Midterm Exam (Chapters 1-5) Annotated Bibliography Due Present Storytelling Activities Final Exam (Chapters 6-10)