Through this course, students explore the acquisition of literacy skills in the child s first language. A contrastive analysis of English and Spanish leads students to the different approaches in the teaching of reading and writing in Spanish. Students assess some of the commercially available materials, analyze ways of using children s literature and children s writing in a reading program, and explore ways to teach reading and writing through content areas such as Social Studies. Teacher-made materials are discussed, particularly in the context of different learning styles. Students critique children s books, examine teacher-made materials, and discuss problems that are specific to learning and mastering the written code of the native language.
Major consideration is given to writing, spelling, and oral tradition.
Curriculum and materials, diagnoses of students abilities, placement, class organization, lesson planning, and developing communication skills with ESL techniques are the major areas discussed. Demonstration lessons on various approaches to ESL instruction are presented. Students will explore the methods of teaching core subjects such as social studies, science, and math through the native language. Evaluation and assessment tools such as alternative assessment and portfolio assessment will also be explored. A great deal of emphasis will be placed on the actual development of curricular units and themes in the native language by all course participants.