In this clinical course, students develop an understanding of language and literacy development from birth through grade three. Topics include the reciprocal connections between speaking and listening, rhythm and rhyme, communication activities, hearing and reading literature, stories, poetry, music, and written expression. Students engage in appropriate literacy interactions, activities, and assessments to meet the literacy needs of a diverse range of children. Students work with parents and care givers as partners in promoting literacy. The key components of reading (e. g. word recognition, fluency, phonological awareness, etc.) identified by the National Reading Panel for this age level are studied in depth. Students apply their knowledge of how young children develop their own reading skills using these key components of the reading process. Students then evaluate the effectiveness of their instruction.