Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
Postgraduate
MAQ-ECHX823 2019Course information for 2019 intake
Inquire what language is and how it develops in early childhood from 0-8 years. Understand the relationship between oral language, adult-child interaction, and formulate pedagogical strategies for children from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Enrolments for this course are closed, but you may have other options to start studying now. Book a consultation to learn more.
- Study method
- 100% online
- Assessments
- 100% online
- Entry requirements
- Part of a degree
- Duration
- -
- Loan available
- HECS-HELP and FEE-HELP available
Language and Literacy in Early Childhood
About this subject
At the completion of this subject students will be able to:
- use appropriate metalanguage when analysing language structure and function
- demonstrate understanding of the relationship between oral language, adult-child interaction and literacy development
- evaluate early childhood settings in terms of their potential to facilitate children’s language and literacy development
- formulate appropriate pedagogical strategies and practices for promoting the language and literacy development of children from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds
- use peer reviewed research to justify your ideas and professional decision making in relation to language, culture and identity for children and families
- use appropriate academic language to express ideas and arguments clearly and coherently.
- Introduction to the unit
- Learning language: infants and toddlers
- Learning language: children from 3 to 5 years
- Emergent literacy (1)
- Emergent literacy (2)
- Multimodal and critical literacy
- Picture books as pedagogic texts
- Language, literacy and bilingualism
- Language, literacy and culture
- Strategies for supporting literacy development in the early years
- Authentic language and literacy assessment in the early years
- Language and literacy: difference and disability
- Reflections on learning from this unit
This subject was previously known as ECEX823 Language and Literacy in Early Childhood.
This subject will explore what language is and how it develops in early childhood from birth to eight years of age. The relationship between language, learning and culture will be investigated. Students will consider different definitions of literacy and examine how oral language in the early years of life relates to subsequent knowledge of written, visual and aural texts. Issues to be addressed include how to create a language and literacy rich environment and the central role of adults in supporting children's language and literacy development in a range of contexts.
- Shared reading (35%)
- Language and Literacy (35%)
- Literature review (30%)
For textbook details check your university's handbook, website or learning management system (LMS).
This research-intensive university in north-western Sydney offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. With over 44,000 current students, Macquarie has a strong reputation for welcoming international students and embracing flexible and convenient study options, including its partnership with Open Universities Australia.
Learn more about Macquarie University.
Explore Macquarie courses.
- QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 11
- Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:
- 10
Entry requirements
To enrol in this subject, you must be admitted into a degree.
Prior study
You must have successfully completed the following subject(s) before starting this subject:
one of
- MAQ-ECHX600-Early Childhood Philosophy and Pedagogy
MAQ-ECEX600 (Not currently available)
Equivalent subjects
You should not enrol in this subject if you have successfully completed any of the following subject(s) because they are considered academically equivalent:
MAQ-ECEX823 (Not currently available)
Additional requirements
- Other requirements -
Access to a digital camera, or mobile phone or tablet with camera capability. Basic computer tools such as Microsoft Word and Powerpoint.
Study load
- 0.125 EFTSL
- This is in the range of 10 to 12 hours of study each week.
Equivalent full time study load (EFTSL) is one way to calculate your study load. One (1.0) EFTSL is equivalent to a full-time study load for one year.
Find out more information on Commonwealth Loans to understand what this means to your eligibility for financial support.