Learning to Talk by Talking: A Developmental Approach to Maximizing Language and Literacy Skills

Discover practical approaches to fostering language and literacy skills through conversation.

Overview

When it comes to helping children develop robust language skills, talking is essential. Discussion and storytelling builds vocabulary, and children who have bigger vocabularies learn to read more easily and earlier.

Learning to Talk by Talking is an online professional development program for educators and parents. Drawing on the research of HGSE Professor Catherine Snow, one of the world’s leading experts on language and literacy, the workshop provides a developmental approach to language and literacy from birth to the teen years. Participants will explore the latest research and practical strategies for using talk to foster language development at every grade level.

Program Details

This two-week online workshop includes a mix of self-paced learning, group discussion, and job-embedded application. Activities include:

• Video lectures from Professor Snow
• Research summaries and assigned readings
• Self-assessment and reflection prompts
• Facilitated cohort discussions
• Job-embedded practice where you will apply the concepts and techniques learned

A core part of the HGSE experience is cohort learning, and this curriculum is designed to create a community of practice for participants to learn with and from each other.

This online workshop is an asynchronous learning experience with no live components and is designed to be self-paced. All materials are provided at the start of the program and can be completed at times that best fit a participant’s schedule within the two-week program period. Participants should plan to devote a total of 10 hours of work over the two weeks. Participants who complete all individual assessments and contribute to group discussions prior to the end of the course period will receive a certificate indicating completion of ten clock hours of instruction.

Objectives

• Understand language development in very young children and the role adults can play in developing language skills
• Understand the importance of stimulating talk and questions
• Learn to promote reading and writing through classroom discussion and debate
• Apply research and best practices in language and literacy skills development to your own work

Who Should Participate

• Teachers
• Early childhood educators
• Paraprofessionals
• Literacy coaches
• Parents
• Community-based professionals working with children 1-15 years old

English Language Proficiency Requirements

English language proficiency is a requirement for application to and successful participation in this online course. All participants are expected to have fluency in English, including a basic knowledge of education terminology, in order to effectively engage with the content, complete assignments, and interact with other members of the learning community.

Fees & Policies

Individual Rates: $149 per person
Group Rates: 10+ people: 25% off final invoice

Tuition includes all instructional materials required for participation in the program.

Full tuition is due by the indicated payment deadline, please refer to the individual program’s community and application page for payment deadlines. While a purchase order confirms enrollment, full payment is still required by the final payment deadline. Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline will result in your withdrawal from the program.

Please click here for more information on payment, refund, and withdrawal policies.

The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. The school is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.