ED 343 Content Area Reading and Writing (2 SH)

Literacy Block is comprised of ED 341, 342, 343 (5 SH content; 2 SH practicum) which is designed for students who plan to teach in PreK-6. The 7-hour block of courses with a 60-hour practicum explores the development of spoken and written language and traces the development of reading from birth through pre-adolescence. Understanding the social and cultural contexts for language learning both at home and at school and knowing the cognitive and psychological factors that exist at various stages of development form the basis for planning the curriculum at school. The practicum provides opportunities to integrate and apply an integrated language arts perspective in a classroom setting. The student is engaged in assessing one child’s literacy development and in planning and implementing an appropriate tutoring program and communicating with parents and caregivers. 

This course focuses on processes of reading and writing with the Virginia English Standards of Learning as the framework for instruction. Strategies involving reading and writing across all content areas are demonstrated, explored, and practiced to meet diverse learner needs. Vocabulary development, writing skills and assessment strategies for socially just teaching are emphasized. Prerequisite: Admission to teacher education.