EDUC 420: Teaching Elementary Reading (PK-4)

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Course Overview & Syllabus

In this course, we examine theories and research-based principles of reading instruction from emergent literacy to literacy acquisition within the framework of English Language Arts standards for Grades K-4. Course materials explore family and sociocultural influences on literacy acquisition, cognitive, child, and language development, assessment/evaluation, and strategies for preventing reading failure. We also develop strategies for organizing instruction within a literate/print-rich, literature-based environment, promoting basic conventions/rules for successful literacy acquisition, and designing instruction to meet all students’ needs.

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Course Highlights

Digital Interactive Readaloud Project

This multi-part project introduces students to the essential literacy practice: the interactive readaloud. We begin by selecting high-quality reading materials to examine for factors of text complexity (qualitative and quantitative) in relation to dimensions of core literacy constructs (comprehension, vocabulary and word study). Students then create an infographic to serve as a reading guide for parents or colleagues to facilitate an interactive readaloud with the chosen text. 

Following the creation of reading guides, students then design their own digital interactive readalouds taking advantage of digital tools and design elements to foster interaction and engagement--even through asynchronous recordings. This long-term project provides a powerful opportunity to not only plan for traditional classroom spaces but to reimagine what instruction can look like in virtual and individualized settings. 

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Designing a Digital Phonics Lesson

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