EST 401: Approaches To Literacy In Childhood Education 4 credits This course is an introduction to curriculum and pedagogy in literacy education for children. It explores the foundations of literacy instruction from cognitive, developmental, historical, and socio-cultural perspectives. Emphasis is placed on the theory and practice of language acquisition, and on instructional approaches to reading comprehension, word building, vocabulary development, and fluency. In addition, the evaluation of literacy resources and the idea of personal enrichment through literacy will be explored. Class sessions will combine discussion, reading response groups, presentations, videos and other learning experiences. Throughout the course, students will consider ways in which teachers can establish classroom environments that support all students' literacy and learning. Students will also reflect upon the ways in which readers actively construct meaning through the use of multiple cueing systems, reading as 'transaction,' and literacy as a social practice. Readings and personal writings focus on the plurality of literacies, and the interrelationship of language, thought and culture.