MRD 7802 Process and Acquisition of Literacy

The relationship of early language development, growth and development of the brain, processing skills and early aesthetic and kinesthetic experiences to developing literacy (reading and writing) is studied. Social and cultural language differences, language acquisition, metacognition, critical periods of brain development, cognitive theory and experiences which contribute to, and are indicators of, readiness for reading will be emphasized. The relationship of early literacy experiences to stages of development of receptive and expressive language is linked to instruction. Clinical observation and study of children’s language and literacy levels is required. (*This course is one of two Prerequisites to all MRD courses.)