Task
This task will allow you to demonstrate your knowledge of oral language development as well as the environments that may enhance children’s oral language. The assessment is divided into two parts:
Part A) Oral Language Analysis
1. You need to collect two oral language samples from a focus child, aged between two and five years. One setting should be the focus child playing with another child, while the other should be an interaction between you and the focus child. Note details of the context in which each of these conversations take place, using Halliday’s three key features that influence a language register – the field, tenor and mode (as
described by Fellowes & Oakley, 2014 in the prescribed
described by Fellowes & Oakley, 2014 in the prescribed textbook). Recording the conversation is the easiest way to collect each language sample, however detailed written notes will suffice if recording is not possible. Five to ten minutes of conversation is appropriate. Ensure you seek parental permission (and the child’s where appropriate) but do not include this or the recording with your assessment.
2. From the recordings, select one or two sections from each language sample to transcribe into written form. Each transcription should be no more than a page in length and must be included in your assessment as an appendix. The transcription should be true to what the child said, i.e. the way in which they expressed words/sentences. Do not make grammatical corrections when transcribing as this is part of the analysis process. Use line numbers to denote a change in speaker as this will assist when referring to examples in your analysis. Please use pseudonyms for the children to maintain confidentiality. Each transcription should be set out as shown in the following example:
Appendix 1: Language Sample 1
Field
Tenor
Mode
Transcription
Line 1: Child’s name
Doggy Play.
Line 2 : Adult’s name
What’s the doggy playing with?
Line 3 : Child’s name
He play with ball.
3. Submit a written report following the guidelines
below –
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below – Begin the report with some background information regarding your focus child (age, language spoken at home etc.) that is relevant to this child’s oral language development and a brief context for each of the language samples included in this assessment (approx 250 words). Then, using the transcriptions, analyse the child’s language and your contributions to the exchange as an educator. In your analysis, refer to elements of your transcription to provide examples and make clear links to readings. Use the following headings to structure your analysis (approx. 400 words for each): i) Development of oral language – This section should refer to developmental milestones, the components of spoken language, and EYLF Outcome 5. ii) Functions for which the child is using language – This section should refer to the functions of language as proposed by either Halliday or Tough; and the concept of a language register by comparing the language used within each conversational context. iii) Critique of adult participation in the language exchange – This section should refer to specific techniques adopted by the adult that may have enhanced or impeded the child’s use of language. Finally, drawing on EYLF Principle 2: Partnerships, conclude your report with a discussion on the |
importance of early childhood educator- family
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importance of early childhood educator- family partnerships in relation to children’s oral language development (approx. 250 words) Part B) Prepare and submit a Parent Newsletter Drawing on what you know about the importance of the home environment for enhancing children’s oral language development, design an A4 sized (single page, approx. 300 words) newsletter you could give to parents informing them of how they can encourage their child’s oral language development, including some practical ideas on how they can facilitate this.. Length – The maximum length of this task is 2000 words (including the newsletter and excluding the transcripts). Work submitted beyond 10% over the required word limit will attract a 10% penalty. Rationale In completing this assignment you will apply knowledge gained from the set readings in a practical situation. It provides you with opportunities to further develop an understanding about several aspects of young children’s early language development.This assessment task assists in working towards the following outcomes: • identify environments that enhance children’s language and literacy development |
• understand key roles adults can play in enhancing or
• understand key roles adults can play in enhancing or impeding children’s language and literacy development
and in doing so, reflects the subject learning objectives related to oral language development and linguistic diversity.