Artifact 7

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Artifact #7 Emergent Literacy Presentations

Presentation Outline and Hand-Outs
Letter of Acknowledgment

Context: This artifact was completed in preparation for two emergent literacy presentations I gave to Dr. Connie Green's Birth Through Kindergarten undergraduate classes. In the fall of 2006, I was invited by Dr. Green to give a presentation on teaching reading in kindergarten to her undergraduate class in Boone, North Carolina. At the conclusion of the presentation, I was invited by Dr. Green to present the same information to her undergraduate class in Hickory, North Carolina.

Preparing for the emergent literacy presentations gave me the opportunity to self-reflect on my teaching practice. In determining which teaching methods, strategies, and activities to include in the presentation, I critically examined the effectiveness and appropriateness of each practice. Through careful analysis of my practice, I was able to articulate a rationale for my instruction as I communicated my knowledge of early literacy instruction with the students in Dr. Green's classes.

Alignment:
Standard A. Instructional Expertise
The candidate demonstrates instructional expertise by applying the theoretical, philosophical, and research bases for educational practice in P-12 settings to improve student learning. Through my Emergent Literacy presentations, I displayed an understanding of the foundations and principles of the reading and writing processes, as well as a knowledge of best practices for teaching beginning readers and writers.
Standard B. Knowledge of Learners
The candidate incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner, learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and strategies for evaluating learning into the planning, delivery, and evaluation of instruction. The instructional practices, approaches, and methods I presented were varied and appropriate for meeting the diverse needs of kindergarten students.
Standard C. Research
The candidate uses research to examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement. The Emergent Literacy presentations included a description of my instructional program. My instructional decisions are influenced by knowledge gained through reading about and conducting reading research.
Standard D. Content Knowledge
The candidate demonstrates advanced depth and breadth of knowledge and skills in the academic discipline and in education. The variety of methods, approaches, and activities included in my presentation demonstrate my understanding of current knowledge and trends in education.
Standard E. Professional Development and Leadership
The candidate engages in continued professional development and provides leadership at the classroom, school, and community levels, and within the profession. The presentations allowed me to communicate my knowledge of child development and emergent literacy instruction to future teachers and child care workers in an effort to encourage and contribute to their professional growth.