Montclair State University College of Education and Human Services Department of Early Childhood Elementary and Literacy Education Spring 2014 READ399 04 Early Literacy Development and Instruction INSTRUCTOR Dr Margaret Freedson Office Location University Hall 3220 freedsonm mail montclair edu 973 655 5411 CLASS MEETING TIME LOCATION Tuesdays 11 30 2 00 University Hall 3034 OFFICE HOURS Tuesdays 10 30 11 30 COURSE DESCRIPTION This course introduces future teachers to language and literacy development and instruction in preschool through 3rd grade classrooms Students learn the components and stages of literacy development from emergent literacy through reading fluency and examine cognitive linguistic sociocultural and instructional influences on this process Students build a repertoire of culturally responsive teaching practices that address the five essential components of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel 2000 phonemic awareness phonics fluency vocabulary and comprehension They learn to design engaging literacy rich classroom environments conduct reading assessments plan literacy lessons responsive to the Common Core Standards and modify instruction for English language learners Objectives Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to demonstrate through writing discussion and teaching that he or she a Understand the social cultural cognitive linguistic and instructional influences on language and literacy development in both home and school settings b Understand the theories research and contemporary policies that inform literacy instruction in preschool and primary grade classrooms 1 c Gain familiarity with the New Jersey Preschool Teaching and Learning Standards and the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and Literacy K 3 d Develop a repertoire of teaching practices that build foundational oral language and emergent literacy skills during the early childhood years e Develop a repertoire of teaching practices that address the five essential components of reading instruction identified by the National Reading Panel 2000 phonemic awareness phonics fluency vocabulary and comprehension f Plan literacy lessons that reflect current understanding of best practice and meet the literacy needs of diverse learners including advanced and struggling readers and English language learners g Design culturally responsive classroom literacy environments that motivate independent and collaborative uses of reading and writing and build homeschool connections h Use appropriate forms of literacy assessment and analyze the instructional implications of assessment results This course meets or contributes to meeting the following MSU Institutional Standards for Initial Teacher Certification 2 central 3d central and 1b 3a 3b 4 5 7 9 11 12a 12b 12c 12d 12e 12f 12g 12h 12i 12j Course Requirements In this class you will be introduced to many new ideas concepts and teaching practices related to literacy that will support your success as a future teacher I will support your success throughout the semester but a successful experience in this class will also require significant effort and organization on your part First please note all cellular phones electronic devices must be turned off during class Internet surfing texting and emailing etc in class undermines classroom cohesiveness and is not acceptable An exception is made for the use of laptops to take class notes provided students demonstrate consistently focused use of this technology e g not websurfing during class Student performance in the course will be evaluated based on the following 2 1 Preparation and participation 20 These are basic requirements of the course Because the course format depends heavily on participation and student interaction and because we only meet once a week it is expected that you will attend every class meeting arrive at class on time and come prepared having done the course readings assigned for each topic Please bring all assigned readings with you to class each week More than one absence will affect your grade negatively A pattern of lateness may also lead to a lowering of your grade In order to contribute effectively to class discussions and learn the material it is essential that you read actively taking notes on key terms and ideas as well as your own thoughts as you read I will provide a list of terms and core questions to help guide your reading each week Your written notes in response to these questions in turn will serve three purposes 1 to support your class participation 2 to support your midterm review and preparation of assignments and 3 To support your successful preparation for Praxis You are required to prepare these notes based on your reading each week To keep organized for this class you are expected to keep a separate notebook that should include the following 1 Reading notes 2 Class notes 3 Assigned readings not found in textbooks 4 Assignment guidelines and graded work This notebook will be evaluated at the end of the semester In addition to the above I strongly encourage you to participate actively in whole class and small group discussion This class will be a wonderful opportunity to overcome any shyness you may feel speaking in front of groups since the material will be equally new and the learning curve will be steep for everyone Please know that I place great value on thoughtful questions and comments rather than on correctness I will occasionally make use of the Cold Call procedure in which I ask students selected at random to share their thoughts about the readings in class Be prepared for this possibility IMPORTANT Please exchange contact information and make arrangements with another member of class to share notes handouts and other course information in the event of your absence If there is content about which you remain unclear AFTER you have contacted a classmate I am happy to provide assistance at that point You are asked to regularly check your MSU email account and you are also to make use of our class webspace on Blackboard http montclair blackboard com A useful animated introductory tutorial is available here http oit montclair edu documentation camtasia student guide bb 6 html 3 2 Midterm Exam and Phonics Quiz 25 There will be a 1 hour in class midterm exam that will assess your understanding of content from the first half of the semester The exam will combine multiple choice short answer and essay questions A