This course provides basic guidelines for the student to practise assisting children in the language arts and learning the English language. From the beginnings of communication, to the tasks of the toddler, to the preschool years, strategies and methods for introducing young children to language are studied. Program planning basics are practised with concepts learned in this course, including growth systems that affect language ability, developing listening skills, storytelling, puppetry, and group time, and ways to include children who are being introduced and learning the additional language of English. All of the concepts in this course involve substantial activity work and opportunities to work with groups of children in a controlled setting arranged through the instructor.

Upon completion of this course, participants will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively assist in language arts instruction. They will be able to support children’ literacy development, facilitate engaging language activities, and collaborate with other teachers to enhance classroom learning experiences.

• Beginnings of Communication
• The Taks of The Toddler
• Preschool Years
• Understanding Differences
• Developing Listening Skills
• Storytelling
• Circle (Group) Times

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

• Design a literacy centre and justify its features
• Describe and identify behaviours and abilities of an infant’s language expressions and early development
• From prior knowledge and this course, use appropriate graphic organizers to record observations of a preschool child’s language ability/development
• Observe and monitor the language development in toddlers
• Describe methods for working with non-English speaking families
• Prepare a multicultural calendar and guided activities focused on language-based activities
• Converse with preschool children during a play activity
• Distinguish the differences between native and second-language learners and assist in the preparation of a language program plan in group discussion
• Design a pamphlet to educate how families can increase their child’s literacy with home activities
• Observe and document to exhibit understanding of cultural differences in student behaviour.
• Understand how children develop listening skills and demonstrate through listening and phonemic awareness activities
• Participate in a storytelling activity
• Develop/create flannel boards, puppets, and other props to produce a simple drama or puppetry production for children
• Collaborate with others to conduct a circle (group) time activity. 

• Lecture/presentation
• Discussion
• Individual assignments
• Slide presentations, videos, and visual representations
• Facilitated group work
• Facilitated observations and recording activities
• Supervision of hands-on creation and conducting of learning centre activities