EDU 533 Reading Methods Through Differentiated Instruction

3 Credits

This course focuses on the foundations for early literacy learning and the instructional strategies for teaching beginning reading and writing from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4. Students investigate all aspects of the literacy curriculum while demonstrating efficient differentiated instructional activities. Students learn about teaching young children before the age of formal instruction. An emphasis is placed upon effective and developmentally appropriate strategies for young children. Issues are examined that impact literacy learning such as diversity, home-school connections, the role of play in learning, creating a print rich environment, and oral language development. Sound instructional strategies for developing beginning readers and writers in Grades 2 through 4 are taught. Methodologies for systematic and direct instruction in reading, developmentally appropriate instruction in the mechanics and process of writing, the assessments of language arts skills, the remediation of struggling readers, and the instruction of ELL learners are integral parts of this course. Students also learn to identify and plan instruction for students with learning differences, as well as develop instructional strategies and appropriate learning environments for students in inclusive settings.