Developmental Language

A developmental language approach is designed to encourage increased proficiency in: a) language skills acquisition; b) language internalization; and c) conceptual development.

Listening, speaking. reading. writing, and intellectual skills are developed through MEANINGFUL language content and contexts. Skills development and language internalization are closely related since improved skills development facilitates the acquisition of language.

Conceptual development forms the meaningful contexts through which the language content and skills are developed.

Listening and speaking are developed and sequenced into reading and writing. The CONCEPT of reading is developed prior to its development as a set of skills. Many students perceive reading as an exotic area totally segmented from the language and intellectual skills they already possess. Developmental language approaches reading and writing as extensions of a student's listening and speaking skills.

A developmental language approach also addresses CHILD DEVELOPMENT as an integral factor in skills development. Many young children in our school systems may be consistently required to perform tasks for which they may not be cognitively prepared. Therefore, developmental language approaches skills and language development within an awareness of what is appropriate for childten in their various stages of cognitive development. Language content, activities and skills are carefully selected to avoid developing frustration on a child's part.

Cost: $!2.50

Information about the resource can be found at:

ANKN Clearinghouse P.O. Box 756730 Fairbanks, AK 99775-6730 Tel: (907) 474-5897 or email: ANKN Clearinghouse

Charles Kashatok Yup'ik Curriculum Specialist P.O.Box 305 Bethel, Alaska 99559 Tel: (907) 543-4853 or email: Charles_Kashatok@fc.lksd-do.org

Native-produced

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