81 MD4 Dis 7

4

BRAIN DEVELOPMENT

8081 Module 4

Discussion: Week 7:

Literacy Development Through Play-Based Activities

A young preschooler stands on the playground, brandishing a paper towel roll as his “sword” and claiming victory over the land. As he jumps down from the stairs, he walks over to two children who are rubbing sticks together, making an imaginary fire. As he joins them, he begins to “warm his hands,” mimicking campfire conversations he had when he went camping with his own family. The other two children join him in this dialogue, talking about yummy marshmallows, shining stars, and comfy sleeping bags.

Though only a few minutes long, how might this type of play strengthen early literacy experiences? Furthermore, how might these interactions support each child in his or her language development journey?

In this Discussion, you explore the importance of play in language acquisition and development. You also examine the five essential components of reading.

To prepare

Review the Read Naturally article title “Essential Components of Reading” (n.d.) in this module’s Learning Resources. As you review the article, consider what you may already know about phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Then, select one age group (infants, toddlers, preschool, or kindergarten/primary) and explore the Reading Rockets website and the Zero to Three website, also in the Learning Resources. With your selected stage in mind, identify center-based activities that might use play to enhance language and literacy.

Learning Resources:

· http://www.readingrockets.org/

· https://www.readnaturally.com/research/5-components-of-reading

· http://main.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ter_par_012_langindex

·

Assignment Task Part 1

Refer back to the “To Prepare” to review Learning resources.

Review the Read Naturally article title “Essential Components of Reading” (n.d.) in this module’s Learning Resources. As you review the article, consider what you may already know about phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency. Then, select one age group (infants, toddlers, preschool, or kindergarten/primary) and explore the Reading Rockets website and the Zero to Three website, also in the Learning Resources. With your selected stage in mind, identify center-based activities that might use play to enhance language and literacy.

In a 350 word response:

Describe two to three center-based activities that use play to enhance language acquisition, language development, and literacy. Explain how each activity might foster one or more of the five essential components of reading. Then, explain whether these activities are developmentally appropriate for the stage you have selected and why.

Cite appropriate references in APA 7 format to substantiate your thinking.

Assignment Task Part 2

Write two (2)

150 word responses:

Respond to two colleagues’ postings in the following way:

· Share how you, as an early childhood professional, intend to integrate play into your current practice in an effort to enhance language development and acquisition.

Cite appropriate references in APA 7 format to substantiate your thinking.