This course covers the cognitive foundations and curricular implications for the teaching of reading and language arts in elementary grades with an emphasis on understanding the theoretical and research bases for classroom practice.  The theory and practice of writing and its development are explored, and the racial, social, cultural, and linguistic implications for the development of literacy are examined.  The specific genres of children’s literature are discussed, and the increasing role of technology in mediating literacy is considered.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

By the end of this program,

1. Analyze the theoretical and research bases for classroom practice in teaching reading and language arts.
2. Explore the racial, social, cultural and linguistic implications for literacy development in education.
3. Investigate and analyzes the different genres of children’s literature in an elementary and middle school environment.
4. Assess the role of technology in mediating literacy to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom.

Course Schedule and Topics

This course will cover the following topics in eight learning sessions, with one Unit per week.

Week 1: Unit 1 – Cognitive Foundations and Curricular Implications of Teaching Reading and Language Art

Week 2: Unit 2 – Theoretical Perspectives and Technology:  the New Literacies

Week 3: Unit 3 – Teaching Reading, Part I

Week 4: Unit 4 – Selecting Children’s Literature: grades K-8th

Week 5: Unit 5 – Teaching Reading, Part II:  Teaching in the Digital Age

Week 6: Unit 6 – Teaching Writing, Part I: Story Making

Week 7: Unit 7 – Teaching Writing, Part II: Poetry

Week 8: Unit 8 – Reading Strategies

Learning Guide

The following is an outline of how this course will be conducted, with suggested best practices for students.  The Learning Guides for all units open on the first day of class.  Please review all Learning Guides to access the readings, review assignments, etc.

Unit 1: Cognitive Foundations and Curricular Implications of Teaching Reading and Language Arts

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 2: Theoretical Perspectives and Technology:  the New Literacies

• Peer assess Unit 1 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 3: Teaching Reading, Part I

• Peer assess Unit 2 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Begin and participate in the Group Activity (Due Unit 6)

Unit 4: Selecting Children’s Literature: grades K-8th

• Peer assess Unit 3 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 5: Teaching Reading, Part II:  Teaching in the Digital Age

• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Continue to participate in the Group Activity
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment

Unit 6: Teaching Writing, Part I: Story Making

• Peer assess Unit 5 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Post finalized Group Presentation
• Review the presentations and leave feedback for other groups
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

 Unit 7: Teaching Writing, Part II: Poetry

• Peer assess Unit 6 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete and submit the Written Assignment
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment

Unit 8: Reading Strategies

• Peer assess Unit 7 Written Assignment
• Read the Learning Guide and Reading Assignments
• Participate in the Discussion Assignment (post, comment, and rate in the Discussion Forum)
• Complete the Reflective Portfolio Assignment
• Complete and submit the anonymous Course Evaluation