For this assignment, you will write a research essay related to a topic that emerged from your observations in Assignment 3(A) or choose a topic of interest that relates to emergent literacy and language if you complete Assignment 3(B).
If you feel like the child you observed would benefit from more at-home support, your research question will focus on how at-home supports can aide in the development of literacy and language skills. If the child you observed would benefit from more play-based literacy activities, your research question or statement can focus on the important role of play in literacy.
Some other examples are:
• How will knowing how toddlers communicate help the reader in their work with toddlers?
• How can one teacher learn from another who consistently sets up a quality literacy environment for children?
• Why should a teacher know how agencies promote literacy development in the home?
Your essay about your thesis statement or question you created will be 3-4 pages.
Include an introduction, body, and conclusion. Your essay will reference your observation notes and also additional research about the topic.
Below you will find some additional information about the steps to writing your essay.
The Introduction:
Decide upon a thesis statement or question to be answered in your research essay. List the relevant theories or theorists that have raised the same question or presented a similar idea. State why you think it’s important to find out the information.
For example:
• How will knowing how toddlers communicate help the reader in their work with toddlers?
• Why is it important for teachers to know how children demonstrate Holdaway’s theory of literacy development daily?
• How can one teacher learn from another who consistently sets up a quality literacy environment for children?
• Why should a teacher know how agencies promote literacy development in the home?
The Research Phase:
Find out what has been written before, and read the important articles about your topic. When you do this, you may find there is an existing problem that needs solving, or you may find that you have to come up with an interesting idea that might or might not work in your study. You can also interview people: teachers, parents, older children to find out their opinion on your topic.
Write the Essay:
Have a clear introduction, body and conclusion. While you are supporting your essay question with research, also include references to your Assignment #3 observation notes.
