This unit explores models of oral language, reading and writing and their implementation in classroom contexts. A range of resources, particularly children’s literature, to support classroom practices, is investigated. There is a direct link between lecture material and students’ weekly School Experience Practice visit.

On completion of this unit, students should be able to:

1. demonstrate an understanding of theories of literacy learning and implications for classroom teaching;
2. support the development of literacy and language learning through appropriate skills, strategies and resources with an emphasis on children’s literature;
3. plan, implement and analyse a variety of oral language interactions to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between oral language development and literacy learning; and
4. reflect on and critically analyse a range of texts as resources for classroom use.

1. Examine literacy learning theories through implementation of a variety of language interactions in classroom contexts.
2. Analyse and reflect on the construction and use of oral and written texts.
3. Explore a range of texts, particularly children’s literature, in order to develop strategies for response and interpretation, and as a resource for learning to write.
4. Examine different models of reading and writing to develop strategies appropriate for effective literacy development.
5. Plan and implement a range of teaching strategies to support literacy.