This course focuses on the nature of language development from infancy through grade three. It examines the developmental progression of phonology, semantics, morphology, syntax, and pragmatics as well as various theoretical perspectives on language development. The importance of family and relationships in children’s acquisition of language is a recurring theme. The cultural and linguistic aspects of first and second language acquisition and an overview of communication disorders will be discussed. The connections between oral speech and language skills to early literacy development and later literacy skills acquisition are examined. This includes the topics of phonemic awareness, symbolic representation, and early writing skills. Strategies for creating literate environments and using children’s literature to nurture oral language and literacy development will be explored.