Elementary Education (ELED)

This course in early literacy instruction is for preservice teachers who plan to teach in preschool, early elementary, or special education classrooms. Preservice teachers will acquire an understanding of the concepts, methods and materials used to promote children's literacy development. The course will provide a foundation for responsive literacy instruction in the following areas: oral language, phonological awareness, reading, fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. Required course for elementary and EXED programs. Offered spring term only. C21:CC.

This course in literacy instruction is for preservice teachers who plan to teach in late elementary or special education classrooms. Preservice teachers will acquire an understanding of the concepts, methods and materials used to promote children's literacy development. The course will provide a foundation for responsive literacy instruction in the following areas: communication, reading, writing, and research. Required course for elementary and EXED programs. Offered fall term only.

This course provides an overview of effective mathematics instruction combining the fundamental core understanding and applications to promote teaching and learning through problem-solving and the use of concrete manipulatives. Required course for elementary programs. Offered spring term only.

This course is designed to expand pre-service teachers' knowledge and skills in the teaching of science in the K-6 classroom. Students will learn to build skills, content knowledge, and desire for inquiry to prepare children for a scientific society. A fieldwork component is included. Required course for elementary programs. Offered fall term only.

This course examines the nature of social studies and the overall goals for social studies education. It introduces the various models of instruction, integration of fields, and assessment in order to develop coherent and engaging learning experiences for all children. Required course for elementary minors. Offered fall term only.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of science content taught in elementary schools in Virginia. It is essential that prospective teachers have a firm understanding of key concepts, processes and skills in physics, chemistry, earth science and biology. This understanding is foundational for being able to create effective learning experiences that make the sciences accessible and relevant to children. This course is the first in a two-course sequence. Required course for elementary majors. Offered fall term.

This course examines the four key disciplines within historical and cultural contexts, teaches students about the construction of scientific knowledge, and explores interdisciplinary connections. Both courses have a lab component (1-credit) in which students will have opportunities to "do" science as well as learn appropriate safety procedures that will transfer to their own classrooms. Required course for elementary majors. Offered spring term.

This course explores topics and experiences which will enable the students to develop effective teaching styles for diverse learners in 21st century classrooms. Emphasis is on multiple teaching techniques and varied instructional materials appropriate to the elementary level. The course develops an understanding of factors and competencies necessary for effective elementary classroom instruction, including the development of an integrated thematic unit based on Virginia SOLs (Standards of Learning), classroom management strategies, teaching techniques that address learning styles, multiple intelligences, and current brain-based research. Working with ELL students is also addressed. Offered January term of senior year only.