ECE 304 Literacy Methods & DI (Differentiated Instruction)

3 Credits

This course focuses on the foundations for early literacy and the instructional strategies and methods for teaching reading and writing in the elementary grades. An emphasis will be placed on the elements of Structured Literacy and research from the Science of Reading. Students will investigate all aspects of the literacy curriculum while implementing developmentally appropriate strategies and differentiated instructional approaches. Methodologies for systematic and direct instruction in reading and writing, the assessment of literacy skills, the remediation of struggling readers and writers, instruction of MLs/ELLs, and linking Pennsylvania Common Core Academic standards in language arts to content instruction are integral parts of this course. Focus will be placed on the five building blocks of reading: phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and text comprehension, in addition to writing, spelling, and literacy assessments, as determined to be appropriate for students in the elementary grades.

NOTE: There is a required field component (EDU 125) for this course. All students are required to have valid clearances to participate in field experience. Students may not take this course unless they have been officially accepted to the Dual Certification Education major.