Principles of Biliteracy Development inSpanish and English

Models of reading instruction and the components of a Spanish reading program for native speakers will be investigated from multiple perspectives. Students will examine practical classroom applications, the historical development of literacy, the processes that affect acquisition and development of literacy in the home and school. Students will study how spelling develops in Spanish and how native Spanish speakers develop as spellers in English. Special emphasis will be given to the choosing of culturally relevant texts and the teaching of language through content and themes. In addition, the role of phonics and phonemic awareness in the teaching of reading to English language learners will be discussed. This course is taught in Spanish.