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Dr. Dominic William Massaro

In this short course you will explore the possibility that children might acquire written language in a way that is similar to how they acquire spoken language—without instruction. You will encounter various aspects of behavioral science and technology that are relevant to this proposition. You will have the opportunity to learn the the perceptual, cognitive, and neurological capacities of children during their first years of life. You will advance your understanding of children and how they learn language. You will also be more attuned to current advances in the technology of human machine interactions, and what these phenomena imply for learning to read at an early age.

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Syllabus

Week 1 Introduction, Challenges, and Language
Universal literacy, differences between spoken and written language, models of perception and processing, and implications of natural acquisition of reading.
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Week 2 Acquiring Spoken and Written Language
Influences on language learning, iconicity, recognition skills of infants, visual processes in reading, and rapid serial visual processing.
Week 3 Reading, Early Reading, and Technological Innovations
The nature of reading, reading myths, current approaches to teaching reading, demographics of literacy and illiteracy, and technological innovations.

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Examines the possibility of natural acquisition of language using behavioral science and technology, providing new perspectives on language learning
Taught by Dr. Dominic William Massaro, providing learners with the opportunity to learn from an expert in the field of language acquisition
Suitable for learners interested in exploring the intersection of language, psychology, and technology
Provides a theoretical foundation for understanding language acquisition and literacy development
May be challenging for learners with no prior background in behavioral science or technology

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Reviews summary

Engaging literacy skills

According to students, this course on children's literacy development is largely positive, well-received, and engaging. Learners say that this course enhances their understanding of children's natural literacy acquisition. Students add that the course promotes creative and practical teaching techniques.
Teaches practical teaching techniques
"This course has helped me to understand different techniques to teach children"
"I found very useful, but I would like for you to had some real life excercices for the teachers to make wirh students"
"Not much in the way of evidence to support the concepts"
Well-presented video lectures
"The videos and reading material was very interesting"
"I enjoy how accessible the videos are"
"It help me increase my knowledge and give new ideas"
Informative course content
"I learned a lot from the course!"
"This course was really helpful"
"I gained so much from taking part"
Includes some complex theories
"Overly complicated and difficult to follow"
"Some of the language made me tired"
"Just a lot of he said she said"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally with these activities:
Form a study group with classmates
Collaborate with classmates to enhance understanding of course content through discussions and peer support.
Show steps
  • Identify classmates who share similar learning goals and interests.
  • Establish a regular meeting schedule and determine the format of your study sessions (e.g., discussions, Q&A, practice exercises).
  • Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, and facilitating activities.
Organize and review course notes and materials
Enhance retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials.
Show steps
  • Gather all course notes, handouts, and other materials.
  • Create a system for organizing the materials (e.g., folders, binders, digital files).
  • Review the materials regularly, highlighting important concepts and summarizing key points.
Review cognitive development in infants
Refresh essential concepts in cognitive development to understand the basis of early language learning.
Browse courses on Cognitive Development
Show steps
  • Revisit theories of cognitive development, such as Piaget's stages.
  • Explore research on infant perception, attention, and memory.
  • Consider the role of social interactions in cognitive development.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Test your knowledge of literacy concepts
Taking some time to refresh your knowledge of literacy concepts will serve as a strong foundation for this course.
Show steps
  • Review the key terminology and concepts related to literacy, such as phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
  • Take a practice quiz or assessment to test your understanding of these concepts.
Read "The Read-Aloud Handbook" by Jim Trelease
Gain valuable insights into the importance and techniques of reading aloud to children, enhancing your understanding of early literacy development.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of the book and set aside dedicated time for reading.
  • Take notes or highlight key concepts and strategies presented in the book.
  • Reflect on how the information aligns with your current understanding of early literacy and identify areas where you can incorporate new strategies into your practice.
Explore resources on early reading development
Following a guided tutorial on early reading development can provide you with a strong understanding of the foundational concepts covered in this course.
Show steps
  • Search for online tutorials or courses that cover topics related to early reading development, such as phonemic awareness, phonics instruction, and reading comprehension strategies.
  • Follow the steps and instructions provided in the tutorial, taking notes and completing any practice exercises.
  • Reflect on what you have learned and how it applies to your understanding of reading acquisition.
Attend a workshop on early literacy intervention
Gain practical skills and knowledge in early literacy intervention strategies by attending a workshop.
Show steps
  • Research and identify workshops that align with your interests and learning goals.
  • Attend the workshop and actively participate in discussions and activities.
  • Apply the strategies and techniques learned in the workshop to your own teaching or learning context.
Practice applying reading strategies
Engaging in practice drills will allow you to refine your reading strategies and improve your comprehension skills.
Browse courses on Reading Strategies
Show steps
  • Find practice passages or exercises that focus on specific reading strategies, such as identifying main ideas, making inferences, or summarizing.
  • Read the passages and complete the exercises, paying attention to the strategies being used.
  • Analyze your performance and identify areas where you can improve your strategy application.
Create a language learning blog or vlog
Synthesize and share your understanding of language acquisition and early literacy by creating a blog or vlog.
Browse courses on Language Acquisition
Show steps
  • Choose a focus for your blog or vlog, such as specific aspects of language acquisition or practical tips for early literacy.
  • Research and gather relevant information from reputable sources.
  • Create engaging content that presents your findings in an accessible and informative way.
  • Promote your blog or vlog and engage with your audience through comments and discussions.

Career center

Learners who complete Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Literacy Specialist
Literacy Specialists help students develop reading and writing skills. This course may help you enter this field by enhancing your understanding of how children naturally acquire literacy. You will build a foundation in the cognitive and neurological processes involved in reading and writing, as well as the latest technological innovations in literacy instruction.
Reading Specialist
Reading Specialists help students overcome reading difficulties and improve their reading skills. The knowledge you gain from this course about how children naturally acquire literacy may enhance your effectiveness in this role. You will build a foundation in the cognitive and neurological processes involved in learning to read, as well as the latest technological innovations in literacy instruction.
Speech-Language Pathologist
Speech-Language Pathologists diagnose and treat speech, language, and swallowing disorders. This course may help you enter this field by enhancing your understanding of the cognitive and neurological processes involved in language acquisition. You will gain a foundation in the different aspects of behavioral science and technology that are relevant to this field.
Professor, Literacy Studies
As a Professor in Literacy Studies, you will teach and research literacy development in children and adults. This course can help advance your understanding of how children acquire literacy skills naturally. You will gain a foundation in the latest research on language acquisition, cognition, and technology, which can inform your teaching and research.
Child Psychologist
Child Psychologists work with children and adolescents to address developmental, emotional, and behavioral issues. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the cognitive and neurological processes involved in language and literacy development. You will also gain an understanding of the latest advances in technology and their implications for learning to read.
Researcher, Learning Sciences
Researchers in Learning Sciences investigate the cognitive and social processes involved in learning and instruction. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the field and the different research methods used to study learning.
Early Childhood Educator
Early Childhood Educators work with young children to promote their development and learning. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the cognitive and neurological processes involved in language and literacy development. You will also gain an understanding of the latest research on technology and its role in early childhood education.
Educational Technologist
Educational Technologists integrate technology into teaching and learning to improve student outcomes. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on the use of technology in literacy instruction. You will gain a broad understanding of the different ways that technology can be used to support learning, as well as the challenges and opportunities associated with its use.
Language Arts Teacher
Language Arts Teachers teach reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills to students in elementary, middle, and high school. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the cognitive and neurological processes involved in language and literacy development. You will also gain an understanding of the latest research on effective teaching methods for language arts instruction.
Curriculum Developer, Literacy
Curriculum Developers, Literacy design and develop curriculum and materials for literacy instruction. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different curriculum models and approaches used in literacy instruction, as well as the factors that influence curriculum development.
Instructional Designer, Literacy
Instructional Designers, Literacy design and develop instructional materials and experiences for literacy instruction. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different instructional design models and approaches used in literacy instruction, as well as the factors that influence instructional design.
Literacy Coach
Literacy Coaches work with teachers and students to improve literacy instruction and student outcomes. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different coaching models and approaches used in literacy instruction, as well as the factors that influence effective coaching.
Data Analyst, Education
Data Analysts, Education use data to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different data analysis methods and approaches used in educational research, as well as the factors that influence data analysis.
Program Manager, Literacy
Program Managers, Literacy oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of literacy programs. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different program management models and approaches used in literacy instruction, as well as the factors that influence program management.
Policy Analyst, Education
Policy Analysts, Education analyze and evaluate education policies to inform decision-making. This course may help you enter this field by providing you with a foundation in the latest research on literacy acquisition and the role of technology in learning. You will gain a broad understanding of the different policy analysis methods and approaches used in education policy, as well as the factors that influence policy analysis.

Reading list

We've selected 13 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Children Acquiring Literacy Naturally.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history, theory, and practice of reading. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the complex issues surrounding literacy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of child language acquisition. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the different theories of child language acquisition and the latest research on this topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the printing press and its impact on literacy and society. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the role of technology in the development of literacy.
Provides a fascinating look at the neuroscience of reading. It must-read for anyone who wants to understand how the brain learns to read.
Explores the neuroscience of reading. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the cognitive processes involved in reading and how the brain learns to read.
Presents a theoretical framework for understanding how children learn to read and write. It is based on the idea that literacy process of constructing inner control over language, and that this control is developed through a series of stages.
Explores the nature of language and how the mind creates it. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the cognitive processes involved in language learning.
Presents Piaget's theory of cognitive development and its implications for literacy learning. It classic work that is still relevant today.
Explores the role of storytelling in the construction of reality. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to understand the power of stories and how they can be used to teach and learn.
Provides a detailed overview of the phonics approach to teaching reading and writing. It valuable resource for teachers who want to learn more about this approach.

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