Module 4

Learning Resources

Required Resources

• Web Article: "New Study Finds Baby DVDs and Videos May Hinder Infant Language Development"
  http://www.seattlechildrens.org/media/press-release/2007/08/002688/
  
  
• Web Article: Early Literacy
  http://www.zerotothree.org/child-development/early-language-literacy/earlyliteracy2pagehandout.pdf
  
  
• Web Article: "Foreign Language Instruction: Implementing the Best Teaching Methods" by AERA
  http://www.aera.net/Portals/38/docs/Publications/Foreign Language Instruction.pdf
  
  
• Web Article: "Before Baby Talk, Signs and Signals" by Judith Berck
  http://www.nytimes.com/2004/01/06/health/before-baby-talk-signs-and-signals.html
  
  
• Web Article: "Can Baby Sign Language Delay Speech? It's Important to Keep Talking to Youngsters, Too" by Victoria Clayton
  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8060750/
  
  
• Web Article: "Fetus Heart Races When Mom Reads Poetry: New Findings Reveal Fetuses Recognize Mother's Voice In-utero" by ScienceDaily
  http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/05/030513080440.htm

Optional Resources

• Web Site: Zero to Three: Brain Development
  http://www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_brain&JServSessionIdr001=boauuzs2m3.app13b
  
  
• Web Article: "Brain Development: What We Know About How Children Learn" by Judith Graham
  University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Family Issues Facts
  http://extension.umaine.edu/publications/4356e/
  
  
• Web Site: Better Brains for Babies
  http://www.fcs.uga.edu/ext/bbb/
  Starting Early, Starting Smart?
  
  

  The readings in this module explore current knowledge about optimal times for literacy learning and early literacy development strategies, including early foreign language instruction, teaching babies sign language, and reading to the fetus in utero. In preparation for this discussion, consider each of these early literacy development strategies in light of what you have learned regarding optimal times for early literacy development.
  
  By Day 7 of Week 10:
  
  Post your response to the following:

  
  
  • Your thoughts about early literacy development strategies within the context of brain research and optimal times for literacy learning
  • Advice you would give to a parent regarding each of the early literacy development strategies presented in this module in terms of its appropriateness and efficacy in supporting early literacy