Module Information

Module Identifier
ED14320
Module Title
Language Development in the Early Years
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 2
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Written assignment  (Analysis of language) 1500 Words  50%
Semester Assessment On-line test  Assessment of terminology  10%
Semester Exam 6 Hours   Presentation  15-minute presentation based on placement  40%
Supplementary Assessment On-line test  Assessment of terminology  10%
Supplementary Assessment Written assignment  (Assignment based on different texts) 1500 Words  50%
Supplementary Exam 6 Hours   Presentation  15-minute presentation on a different topic  40%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the stages and features of children’s development of language, including the development of more than one language.

Demonstrate critical engagement with theoretical approaches to children’s development of language and young children’s use of egocentric speech.

Demonstrate knowledge of current practice in supporting children’s language development.​

Consider the importance of developing language awareness in the early years.

Brief description

This module will discuss language development in young children. Key issues relating to issues that may impact language development will be explored further. The first few weeks will introduce students to the fundamental building blocks and theories related to monolingual and bilingual language development. The module will also address the needs of children with additional learning needs or English as an additional language and discuss how caregivers and practitioners can offer support to children with their language development.

Content

Sessions will be based on the following:
1. The beginnings of language- What is language
2. Stages of language development 1
3. Stages of language Development 2 and language skills
4. Developing more than one language
5. Theories of language development + Egocentric Speech
6. Supporting language development - EAL
7. Supporting language development – ALN
8. Language Awareness
During weeks 9 and 10, students will be completing placements. For those not on placement, employability sessions will be held.

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Application of Number Analysis of language features. Occasional descriptive statistics in lectures and sources.
Communication Students will: 1) communicate effectively with children while on placement; 2) write an academic assignment and deliver a formal presentation.
Improving own Learning and Performance Feedback from assignment 2 will inform students’ performance in assignment 3. Working with practitioners on placement will provide opportunities for students to develop their professional skills.
Information Technology Information Technology Written assignments will be word-processed and students will be using ICT to research, They will also need to complete and on-line assessment.
Personal Development and Career planning Placement experience enhances employability. Students will be encouraged to reflect upon and evaluate their skills
Problem solving Problem solving: Students will identify, select and identify how they can support children’s language in different settings.
Research skills Research skills Students will research relevant literature.
Subject Specific Skills Understanding and supporting language development are key skills for early years practitioners.
Team work Team work, in form of key professional behaviors during their placement, will be an important skill that will be developed throughout

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 4