This first language unit provides an introduction to oral language and literacy and to the diversity of language and literacy learners.   Pre-service teachers will critically examine a range of language learning theories and explore ways in which language is constructed and learned in a range of social and cultural contexts.  They will reflect on the variety of language backgrounds and experiences of individuals and groups of people in Australian society.  They will examine the characteristics of grammar and phonology of language in relation to the learner’s background and to language and literacy teaching.  On the basis of their understanding of the differing strengths and needs of language learners, pre-service teachers will plan, implement and evaluate a range of oral language teaching strategies.  Further to this, they will specifically investigate the use of children’s literature as a valuable resource when working with language and literacy learners.