Learning to read and write is the most important challenge children face during their first three years of school. Early Childhood and Primary teachers play a crucial role in preparing children to learn the foundational reading and writing skills that allow them to access increasingly complex texts and discourses in later primary and high school years, and to communicate their learning to others.

This unit includes six modules that introduce pre-service teachers to evidence-based effective early reading and writing instruction, and to both formative and summative assessments of early literacy skills. The modules examine evidence-based instruction of phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, early writing, reading comprehension and fluency, and vocabulary. All six modules cover both instruction and assessment, including progress monitoring. The covered teaching and assessment practices will be based on current literacy research with a focus on supporting the literacy learning process for diverse learners.

The aim of this unit is to ensure that after completing the unit, preservice teachers understand the importance of explicit and systematic literacy instruction, and can deliver instruction that aligns with research evidence and meets the needs of all learners in their early childhood and primary classrooms.