RDG 514 Primary Reading Methods

Course Description

This course explores methods to help children in primary grades K-3 develop effective literacy skills through an integrated reading approach. It focuses on the philosophy of literature-based reading programs, teaching techniques for integrated content instruction, and the development of holistic assessment/evaluation methods for young emergent readers.

Topics and Objectives

Overview of Reading and Literacy

· Examine the natural acquisition of language and literacy skills based on the models developed by Holdaway and Cambourne.

· Describe the conditions that facilitate literacy learning.

· Describe how to integrate literacy and play activities that are likely to stimulate language development.

· Analyze the components and philosophy of an integrated reading program.

· Explain the function of each of the three reading cue systems.

· Examine the strategies and behaviors of emergent, early, and fluent readers.

· Analyze the roles of listening comprehension and oral expression in the development of literacy.

Elements of a Balanced Reading Program

· Examine the components of a balanced reading program.

· Explain the steps in developing an experience story.

· Critique the purposes and process of a shared reading experience followed by a reproduction and innovation.

· Identify the purposes and processes of a guided reading lesson using a "scaffold" approach.

· Examine ways to use trade books in different areas of the curriculum to create thematic units.

Organization and Management of a Balanced Reading Program

· Determine how to create and implement effective developmental language centers.

· Examine how to design, organize, and manage a classroom environment that is conducive to reading and writing.

The Balanced Writing Program

· Analyze writing as a process in a primary classroom setting.

· Examine ways to monitor and evaluate students' writing progress.

· Analyze the natural integration of writing and other language processes.

Methods of Monitoring and Evaluating Children's Reading

· Analyze and interpret a record of reading behavior using miscues and story retelling to identify a student's strengths, weaknesses, and reading level.

· Evaluate how checklists, anecdotal records, and other informal observations of students' reading behaviors can be used as appropriate assessments to monitor student progress.

Portfolio Assessment

· Examine the concept of portfolio assessment.