Supporting Early Literacy Through Oral Language and Play

Dates: 10/24/2025, 12/5/2025, 1/23/2026 Grades: 3K-K Venue: Online via Zoom Time:  9:00am - 2:30pm ET (with a 45 minute break for lunch) Presenter(s): Nancy Brennan

Course Overview: 

This course equips early childhood educators with strategies to develop literacy foundations through meaningful play and oral language development. Participants will learn to create literacy-rich environments that encourage language exploration, storytelling, and emergent reading behaviors through intentional play experiences. Teachers will explore methods for integrating oral language development into daily routines while supporting early literacy concepts through developmentally appropriate practices.

Learning Objectives and Outcomes:

• Design engaging learning experiences that build oral language skills

• Implement strategies for embedding literacy in play scenarios

• Create environments that foster emergent reading and writing

• Develop routines that support oral language development

• Apply methods for integrating storytelling into daily activities

Upon completion of the course participants will receive a certificate of participation; and NY State educators are eligible to receive CTLE credits. If your school or district is interested in arranging for a group of 15 or more to attend one course (or more) together please contact us at advancingliteracy@tc.columbia.edu. For a full listing of all Focused Topic Courses see our Professional Development Services Brochure.