Lesson 2: Your First ExperiencesAttentionLearning OutcomesUpon completion of this lesson's material, students will be able to
TeachingEarly language and literacy development is closely tied to the relationships we have and activities we do as children. As discussed in our last lesson, your earliest experiences with language and literacy lay the groundwork for your successes and can also create some barriers. Although your early childhood experience with language and literacy is only one factor that contributed to your development, it is important to recognize how your experiences influence your current beliefs and values. By digging deep and thinking back to those early experiences you had with language, literacy, and literature, you become aware of your own feelings and barriers that could prevent you from making developmentally appropriate decisions in practice. Example For discussion A, I want you to think about how language, literacy AND/OR literature was a part of your relationships and activities as a child. Think about how it made you feel and how it has impacted the educator you are today or aspire to be. If there was a barrier explain how you have processed through this and overcame or wish to overcome. It is only through self-reflection and processing that we are able to recognize what we bring to an interaction and be aware of how to implement developmentally appropriate practice. For Discussion B, read The Beginnings of Literacy. Many might argue that play is all children do in early childhood settings but for those of us who are in this field know that play is much more than something kids do just to occupy their time. Play is tool, an outlet for learning. Play is where writing and reading begin. Through pretending to read a sign on the playground or write a letter to Grandma, children are trying to make sense of reading and writing long before they can actually do it. An infant’s early scribbles create interest because they made something that wasn’t there before. They develop motor skills in handling the utensil and having the power to move it over the paper. When they receive praise for their efforts they feel good about what they are doing and thus begins a possible love of writing and drawing. For the assignments, you will need to read: AssessmentPossible Class Discussion A - Recognizing and reflecting on the barriers of language and literacy developmentThink back to your earliest experience talking and reading books. Do you know your first word(s) or what your favorite book was? Did your family pass down stories and tell them around the kitchen table or a campfire? Reflect upon how you grew up around language, literacy and literature and describe what that development looked and felt like for you. Who impacted your language development and how? What was the role of literature in your home? Daycare? Preschool and/or Kindergarten? What do you remember about role models and how it impacted you? Were there any barriers or strategies that worked well or impeded? Possible Class Discussion B - Connecting language and literacy to playNot every child imagines like Jennifer but all children display learning through play. Observe a child or several children playing and describe the connection with reading and writing in their play. Tell us who was involved in the play and describe how this relationship and activity impacted their language and/or literature development. |