Homework I: Translating Early Language Experiences into School Success
Some of the ideas that stuck out for me were Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald (2014) opening her TedTalk with the statement, "Language is the essence of being human." In addition, the information from the latest research conducted by the McGovern Institute indicating that it is not necessarily about the sophistication of the words used, but the engagement of the child in conversation that included "turn-taking" In the course of our teaching career, we may have very little to do with changing someone's SES, we can affect a parent and child's ability to have regular and meaningful conversations (2018).
Consider all the information you consumed from the 6 sources provided to respond:
o How is the exposure to language translating into a language gap, and more importantly, how does that affect the long term academic success in school?
o What have your experiences been with language in school and at home?
o Explain in-depth the 3 big ideas you are taking forward from this material and will use in your future work with children and parents?
o Finally, what questions will you pose to your peers to further the "turn-taking" conversation as we all grow linguistically?
Remember, to use the sources provided to support your response. It is also important to cite your sources by providing an in-text citation as well as a reference list.
YouTube Videos:
o Fitzgerald, B. (2014, June 03). Improving early child development with words. TEDxAtlanta.
o Gabrieli, J. (2018, February 14). McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT: Beyond the 30 Million Word Gap.
Homework II: Oral Language-The Great Predictor
Before children are able to formally decode words on a page, the experiences they have developing oral language skills greatly influence their mastery of language and may impact their success in school. On pgs. 41-42, your text cites research outcomes that support this statement.
Prompt 1: imagine yourself as a teacher who is explaining to your students' parents the importance of meaningful oral language experiences. Use details from the theorists Piaget and Vygotsky. Briefly explain in your own words the Constructivist view and the Social Interactionist view on language development. Although your book says these 2 theories are at odds with each other, how might they complement each other? How can you use elements of both in your approach to developing learning experiences for your students?
Prompt 2: How can you develop engaging and meaningful opportunities for your students to develop richer oral language? Give an example of an activity, whether it aligns with either the Constructivist view, the Social Interactionist view, or both.
Reutzel, D. R., & Jr., R.B. C. (2018). Teaching Children to Read (8th Edition). Pearson Education (US).less
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
o The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
o The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
o Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.