Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: discuss the theoretical basis for literacy development and the developmental nature of literacy learning; make connections between oral language development and later success in learning how to read and write; explain the role of play in early literacy development; adapt and plan meaningful literacy experiences that integrate reading, writing, listening, and communicating competencies in the classroom; recognize and understand how to develop and improve children's reading fluency; design and implement activities and lessons to support literacy development among young children; plan for and provide a literate classroom environment to meet the diverse literacy needs of all students; use reading assessments for young children; and discuss the influence of families on literacy development.