CODE | EPE2007 | ||||||||
TITLE | Enjoying English in the Early Years | ||||||||
UM LEVEL | 02 - Years 2, 3 in Modular Undergraduate Course | ||||||||
MQF LEVEL | 5 | ||||||||
ECTS CREDITS | 4 | ||||||||
DEPARTMENT | Early Childhood and Primary Education | ||||||||
DESCRIPTION | In this study-unit students will learn about approaches that promote positive attitudes towards English language and literacy development in early childhood settings. Some principles related to the introduction of English as a second/foreign language in the early years setting will be introduced. Language used in class is influenced by the teachers' identity formed through various factors at teacher level such as lived experiences, levels of bilingualism, comfort with use of English, beliefs about language learning and teaching and attitudes towards the language itself. Therefore, opportunities for reflection about the students' own language awareness will then lead to the wider context of language use in families, educational settings and the community. Activities and learning opportunities that promote enjoyment and positive attitudes in children towards English oracy and early literacy will be presented and discussed. Study-unit Aims: This study-unit aims to: - Create more awareness amongst the students of their own language use and attitudes towards English; - Introduce principles related to the teaching of English as a second/foreign language in the early years; - Expose students to activities and strategies that may help children develop and maintain positive attitudes towards English; - Support students in preparing activities and providing learning opportunities for early language and literacy development. Learning Outcomes: 1. Knowledge & Understanding: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Be familiar with some principles of second language learning in the early years; - Be aware of social, personal and contextual factors which impinge on language and literacy learning; - Be aware of their own biases and attitudes towards using/learning/teaching English; - Be capable of choosing activities and identifying opportunities to develop the children's English language and literacy development and learning. 2. Skills: By the end of the study-unit the student will be able to: - Plan and design activities and leaning opportunities which promote the use of English in the early ears context; - Identify and select a range of materials and resources which support preschool children in learning English in an enjoyable context. Main Text/s and any supplementary readings: Main texts: - Bruce, T. & Spratt, J. (2011) Essentials of Literacy from 0-7 (2nd Edition). London: Sage Publications. - Garcia, E.E. & Frede, E.C. (2010) (Eds) Young English Language Learners: Current research and Emerging Directions for Practice and Policy. New York: Teachers College Press. - Horner, C. & Ryf, V. (2008) Creative Teaching English in the Early Years and Primary Classroom. Oxon: Routledge. Supplementary texts: - Bald, J. (2007) Using Phonics to teach Reading and Spelling. London: Paul Chapman. - Brien, J. (2012) Teaching Primary English. London: Sage. - Larson, J. & Marsh, J. (2005) Making Literacy Real: Theories and Practices for learning and teaching. London: Sage. - Medwell, J., Wray, D., Minns, H., Coates, E. & Giffiths, V. (2014) Primary English: Teaching Theory and Practice. London: Learning Matters. - Rixon, S. (Ed) (1999) Young Learners of English: Some Research Perspectives. Essex, UK: Pearson Education Ltd. |
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STUDY-UNIT TYPE | Lecture and Independent Study | ||||||||
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT |
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LECTURER/S | Josephine Milton |
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The University makes every effort to ensure that the published Courses Plans, Programmes of Study and Study-Unit information are complete and up-to-date at the time of publication. The University reserves the right to make changes in case errors are detected after publication.
The availability of optional units may be subject to timetabling constraints. Units not attracting a sufficient number of registrations may be withdrawn without notice. It should be noted that all the information in the description above applies to study-units available during the academic year 2024/5. It may be subject to change in subsequent years. |