Discover practical approaches to fostering language and literacy skills through conversation.

Overview:

When it comes to helping children develop robust language skills, talking is essential. Discussion and storytelling builds vocabulary, and children who have bigger vocabularies learn to read more easily and earlier.

Learning to Talk by Talking is an online professional development program for educators and parents. Drawing on the research of HGSE Professor Catherine Snow, one of the world’s leading experts on language and literacy, the workshop provides a developmental approach to language and literacy from birth to the teen years. Participants will explore the latest research and practical strategies for using talk to foster language development at every grade level.

Program Details:

This two-week online workshop includes a mix of self-paced learning, group discussion, and job-embedded application. Activities include:

  • Video lectures from Professor Snow
  • Research summaries and assigned readings
  • Self-assessment and reflection prompts
  • Facilitated cohort discussions
  • Job-embedded practice where you will apply the concepts and techniques learned

A core part of the HGSE experience is cohort learning, and this curriculum is designed to create a community of practice for participants to learn with and from each other.

The online workshop will require a total of 5-7 hours of work. Participants who complete all individual assessments and contribute to group discussions will receive a certificate indicating completion of five clock hours of instruction.

Objectives:

  • Understand language development in very young children and the role adults can play in developing language skills
  • Understand the importance of stimulating talk and questions
  • Learn to promote reading and writing through classroom discussion and debate
  • Apply research and best practices in language and literacy skills development to your own work

Who Should Participate:

  • Teachers
  • Early childhood educators
  • Paraprofessionals
  • Literacy coaches
  • Parents
  • Community-based professionals working with children 1-15 years old

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