The Language Arts component of the Curriculum and Instruction course is intended to help you gain an understanding of language acquisition and learn the skills for program development and implementation. We will explore theoretical issues while providing many opportunities to acquire strategies that support language learning. You will be asked to draw upon your own experiences in reading, writing, speaking, listening, viewing, and representing. We will make links with the literacy programs you are teaching/observing in your Practicum.
Please note that JI teacher candidates will have approximately 27 hours of language arts input and PJ candidates will have approximately 36 hours. The language arts focus of the Wednesday afternoon classes (1 to 3pm) will focus on primary and/or early primary programming and instruction. A focus on literacy and language arts will also be integrated throughout the program.
The Ontario curriculum for Language Arts, Grades 1-8, is organized into 3 strands:
The format for our classes will be varied: lectures, workshops, discussions, reading, and writing. Your participation is vital! Whenever possible, you are encouraged to bring in and share interesting materials and insights with us.
Topics will include:
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to:
Course Evaluation
Three of your major assignments and your mark for Professionalism contributes to your grade in the Literacy and Language Arts component of your Curriculum and Instruction course as follows:
In addition to the above graded assignments and expectations, a number of experiential activities will be expected including:
Required Textbook/Resources:
Booth, David (1998). Guiding the Reading Process. Pembroke Publishing.
Schwartz, Susan & Bone, Maxine (1995). Retelling, Relating, Reflecting: Beyond the 3 R's. Irwin Publishing.
Stinson, Kathy (1994). Writing Your Best Picture Book Ever. Markham, ON: Pembroke.
Recommended Resources:
First Steps in Writing, Resource Book, Australia, Irwin Publishing (will be found in TDSB schools)
First Steps in Writing, Developmental Continuum, Australia, Irwin Publishing (will be found in TDSB schools)
A variety of articles will be distributed in class. Novels, picture books, and professional books will be available in class on a sign-out basis.