EDU 325 Emergent Literacy in Urban Early Childhood Education

This course examines the development of foundational skills and understandings that support young children¿s emergent reading and writing from a developmental perspective. Emphasis is placed on the individual nature of literacy development, recognizing variation in readiness, learning pathways, and children¿s approaches to reading and writing. Students explore and apply instructional strategies, materials, and practices that support developmentally and culturally responsive reading and language arts instruction in urban early childhood and elementary settings. The course highlights the critical role of multicultural and inclusive literature in fostering language development, identity affirmation, and engagement for children from diverse cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds. Opportunities for guided practice and reflection are embedded throughout the course, along with required clinical field experience hours that connect theory to practice.

Special information

Note: Admission to Urban Teacher Program or Department approval required to register. Clinical field experience hours are part of the course requirements.