81 MD4 Wk8 Dis

8081-Module 4

Discussion: Week 8:

Designing Effective Language Learning

When we understand that children learn at different ages and stages, we can set realistic goals for our youngest children. Such goals lead children to develop early literacy skills that will last a lifetime.

— National Association for the Education of Young Children, n.d.-b

Just as no two snowflakes are identical, neither are any two young children’s language development journeys. The rate at which their vocabulary and comprehension grows is a culmination of both biological and environmental factors that is unique to each child. As an early childhood professional, you will need to develop the art of differentiation to design effective language experiences. You will also need to practice and hone your skills in successfully guiding and supporting a group of children. Becoming familiar with strategies and approaches that will assist you in working with children—one-on-one, in small groups, and as a large group—will be imperative to your success in fostering language acquisition, development, and literacy.

In this Discussion, you examine the concepts of direct instruction, implicit instruction, explicit instruction, and developmentally appropriate practice. You also create a scenario that incorporates at least three of these approaches and strategies.

To prepare

Reflect on what you may already know about direct instruction, implicit instruction, explicit instruction, and developmentally appropriate practice. Then, review the video Direct and Implicit Instruction (Laureate Education, 2015a) in this module’s Learning Resources. Considering all that you have explored in this module and information gleaned from your own research, create a scenario in which an early childhood professional is involved with children in a learning experience that enhances language development and/or literacy. When creating your scenario, do not use the terms but rather build at least three of these concepts and approaches—direct instruction, implicit instruction, explicit instruction, and developmentally appropriate practice—into your scenario.

Discussion Task Part 1:

Post the following:

In a 500 word response:

· Create a scenario illustrating an early childhood professional who is involved with children in a learning experience that enhances language development and/or literacy and that incorporates, without naming, at least three concepts or approaches you studied in this module.

· Be sure to include the stage of the children involved in the activity: toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners, or primary school-age children.

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

Discussion Task Part 2

In 4 (four)- 150 word Responses

Respond to four of your colleagues’ postings in the following ways:

· Share how the learning experience may have enhanced the children’s language development and literacy. (2 Responses)

· Propose additional suggestions about ways in which the early childhood professionals could further support the children during this stage of their language and literacy development. (2 Responses)

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