The goal of this course is to develop an understanding of emergent literacy in the classroom. Teacher candidates will be enabled to articulate the meaning and implications for a Christian who is teaching within a variety of school systems. This course will focus on the emergent and early learner while exploring aspects of personal classroom practices, required skill sets, child-led and centre-based learning, and theoretical practices underlying current literacy teaching. Prospective teachers will be introduced to Ministry of Education documents and provincial expectations for literacy learning. Aspects of theory as leading to meaningful practice will be explored. Learning opportunities are provided through interactive dialogic discussion, assigned readings and critique, modeled reading/writing activities, teaching practice activities, and imaginative literacy opportunities to integrate literacy for K learners into all elements of the classroom. This course will enable new teachers to make informed choices in developing effective, creative language arts practices for emerging and early literacy learners. (1.5 credits)