ECL210: Language and Literacy in the Early Years

Literacy skills are required for learning in all areas of the school curriculum and in all areas of our society. It is my opinion that all students can and should succeed in language and literacy and be competent and confident in their literacy development.

Literacy definition:
'Literacy is reading, writing, speaking and listening, and involves the knowledge and skills required to engage in activities required for effective functioning in the community' (Hill. S., 2006, p.3).

Language and Literacy Development

Engaging children is critical to maximise the learning that occurs in the classroom. Therefore making connections to the childrens worlds is an important element of teaching and supports language and literacy development. This involves 'finding out what children do out of school and using this as a vhicle for literacy learning. The things they are interested in, the games they play and the activities they engage in can be incorporated into the literacy program' (Hill. S., 2006, p.63).

The way the teaching is carried out, as well as the content, is significant. Successful learning will occur amongst all students when they recognise within teachers an honest and sincere interest and desire to be a partner in the learning process.