81 MD3 D5

Discussion - Week 5

“ Research and Report: Possible Impacts of Exceptionalities on Language and Literacy Development for Kindergarteners and Primary School-Age Children”

If a child can’t learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn.

—Ignacio Estrada

Fair doesn’t mean giving every child the same thing, it means giving every child what they need.

—Lavoie, 1989

What does it mean to be “exceptional”? Although one well-known definition of the term is outstanding, the term has also come to describe individuals who learn in different ways. Whether as a result of cognitive, physical, or psychological factors, some children follow a unique path that they, their peers, and their family may never fully understand. In his book Far From the Tree, Andrew Solomon chronicled his journey with more than 300 families as he worked alongside them to better understand the supports needed for some children not only to survive but to thrive (Solomon, 2012). With a unique journey ahead, what might some children need you to do differently as they learn language and literacy? How do we move from “He can’t learn this” to “He just hasn’t learned this yet,” or “How can I explain this differently so he can learn it?”

In this Discussion, you explore the possible effects of exceptionalities on language and literacy development. You also conduct research to further explore an exceptionality of your choosing. As you approach this Discussion, also consider your own experiences in working or living with young children whose lives are affected by cognitive, physical, and/or psychological factors.

To prepare

Review the academic proficiency model presented in the Newhall resource. Then, consider why young children with exceptionalities may be at risk for not becoming academically proficient. Last, select one of the exceptionalities that can affect language and literacy development for kindergarteners and primary-age children:

· Specific language/learning disability

· Intellectual disability

· Autism spectrum disorder

· Hearing impairment

· Visual impairment

· Other health impairment

Assignment Instructions:

Write a 300 word response by Identifying the exceptionality you have selected and explain at least two effects it may have on language acquisition and development. Share at least one reliable website, white paper, or research article that supports and further elaborates on your selected exceptionality

Write a 100 word response by Sharing how this information could affect your practice (as well as the practices of others in the field) in supporting healthy language development and learning.

Write a 100 word response by Sharing and describe an organization and/or additional resource that may support and guide early childhood professionals and educators working with kindergarteners, primary school-age children, and/or their families.

Please use in text citations and include reference for each worded response please put each worded heading in bold to identify the 3 responses.

For example,

1. “Identifying the exceptionality you have selected and explain at least two effects it may have on language acquisition and development. Share at least one reliable website, white paper, or research article that supports and further elaborates on your selected exceptionality” (300 words)

2. “Sharing and describe an organization and/or additional resource that may support and guide early childhood professionals and educators working with kindergarteners, primary school-age children, and/or their families.” ( 100 words)

3. “Sharing how this information could affect your practice (as well as the practices of others in the field) in supporting healthy language development and learning.(100 words)