Handbook : Unit informationEdith Cowan University

Faculty of Education and Arts

School: Education

This unit information may be updated and amended immediately prior to semester. To ensure you have the correct outline, please check it again at the beginning of semester.

• Unit Title

  English in the Early Years of Primary School

• Unit Code

  LAN2240

• Year

  2015

• Enrolment Period

  1

• Version

  2

• Credit Points

  15

• Full Year Unit

  N

• Mode of Delivery

  On Campus
  Online

---

Description

This unit examines language, literacy and literature in the early years of primary school. Students will explore the relationship between spoken and written language in a range of texts in different modes. There will be a focus on developing school-based literacies, and building on children's home and community literacies. Language teaching practices will be explored that are appropriate for diverse learners, including the theoretical frameworks which inform them.

Prerequisite Rule

Students must pass 1 units from LAN1260, LIT1010

Equivalent Rule

Unit was previously coded LAN2101, LIT2010

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this unit students should be able to:

1. Apply knowledge of childrens literature and its role in developing literate practice in reading, writing and viewing.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge of reading and writing to planning and assessment.
3. Apply understandings of the relationship between spoken and written language, including appropriate metalanguage.
4. Demonstrate understanding of the English writing system and its place in school-based literacies.
5. Design English learning programs for children with diverse language needs, demonstrating understanding of the links between assessment, teaching, learning and evaluation.
6. Investigate, select and evaluate a range of available technologies in terms of their capacity to support diverse childrens language learning.
7. Investigate, select and evaluate teaching and learning strategies that support childrens development of school-based literacy practices.

Unit Content

1. Spoken and written modes and their relationships, including associated metalanguage.
2. Teaching and learning models and strategies for beginning reading and writing.
3. Knowledge, skills and understandings related to comprehending, composing and critically analysing a range of texts.
4. Planning for, monitoring and assessing childrens literacy progress.
5. Childrens literature, particularly as it supports the development of early school-based literacies.
6. Curriculum documents for English, particularly as they relate to the early years of school.

Additional Learning Experience Information

Lectures and tutorials/workshops.

Assessment

GS1 GRADING SCHEMA 1 Used for standard coursework units

Students please note: The marks and grades received by students on assessments may be subject to further moderation. All marks and grades are to be considered provisional until endorsed by the relevant Board of Examiners.

Text References

• Bear, D., Invernizzi, M., Templeton, S., & Johnston, F. (2008). Words their way. (4th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
• Jones, P. (1996). Talking to learn. Newtown, Australia: PETA.
• Rossbridge, J., & Rushton, K. (2010). Conversations about text: Teaching grammar using literary texts. Sydney, Australia: e:lit.
• Vasquez, V. (2003). Getting beyond "I like the book": Creating space for critical literacy in the K-6 classrooms. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
• Christie, F. (2005). Language education in the primary years. Sydney, Australia: UNSW Press.
• Education Department of Western Australia. (2004). First Steps linking assessment, teaching and learning. (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Rigby Heinemann.
• Education Department of Western Australia. (2004). First Steps reading map of development. (2nd ed.). Melbourne: Rigby Heinemann.
• Education Department of Western Australia. (2005). First steps writing map of development. (2nd ed.). Melbourne, Australia: Rigby Heinemann.
• Fellowes, J. & Oakley, G. (2014). Language, literacy and early childhood education. (2nd ed.). Victoria, Australia: Oxford University Press.
• Graves, M. F., Juel, C., & Graves, B. (2007). Teaching reading in the 21st century. (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.
• Hancock, J. (1999). The explicit teaching of reading. Newark, DE: International Reading Association.
• ^ Hill, S. (2012). Developing early literacy: Assessment and teaching. (2^nd ed.). Prahran, Australia: Eleanor Curtain Publishing.

Journal References

• The Reading Teacher.
• Australian Journal of Language and Literacy.
• Practically Primary.

^ Mandatory reference

---