Language, Literacy and Literature combines concepts of language, literature and literacy within a pedagogical framework that leads readers through a series of learning processes. In other words, it is as much a book about teaching English as it is a book about learning how to learn about teaching. The book provides models for pre-service teachers to help identify the kinds of dispositions towards learning that a teacher needs to develop, such as curiosity, collaboration and willingness to ‘give things a go’. It further challenges the pre-service teacher to question what they think they know, as well as discover what they need to know. A range of practical and relevant exercises and activities assist in building habits of reflexive practice.

Key features:

• Features lots of interesting and readily applicable activities and questions that invite students to practice what they’ve learned and to record it in their journals or portfolios
• Approaches literacy across the KLAs, and consistent with National Curriculum emphases in literature.
• Covers early childhood, primary and middle years to assist primary teachers to prepare students for secondary school.
• Good balance of theory and practice, through clearly outlined practical applications related to literacy pedagogy
• Sections on children’s literature interspersed throughout: include poetry, fiction and non-fiction
• Covers multiliteracies, oral language and standards
• Coverage of oral literacy traditions – Indigenous traditions, stories and songlines
• Coverage of processes and strategies of writing, genres (genre model), creative writing, text types, themes etc.
• Appropriate coverage of lesson planning, programming, keeping records, classroom management etc
• Coverage of reading, comprehension; grammar and spelling – with links between speaking, reading and writing to create balanced literacy programs
• Strategies for motivating reluctant readers and writers
• Sections on how to adapt to children’s learning needs, whether from ability or cultural differences – what resources to use
• Encourages critical analysis of literacies, particularly those on the internet, v blogs etc
• Covers communication in an online environment – e.g. wikis, blogs, facebook
• Case studies – Provides specific examples about lesson planning, classroom management and the like. A springboard for the ‘Learning Objectives’ Work Samples – From both students, pre service teachers and teachers Pre-service teacher Reflections/Student Reflections – Used for various things i.e. teacher annotation, reflection

Introduction: Learning about Language, Literacy and Literature
Overview grid

Part 1: Knowledge, Language, Literacy and Literature
1. Knowledge about language, literacy and literature in the teaching and learning of English
2. Literacy for a Sustainable World

Part 2: Investigating, Engaging and Reflecting
3. Investigating Language, Literacy and Literature
4. Engaging with Language, Literacy and Literature
5. Enacting through Language, Literacy and Literature
6. Reflecting on Language, Literacy and Literature
7. At journey’s end
Glossary
References

Alyson Simpson – Associate Professor,  Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
Simone White – Associate Dean and Head of School, Faculty of Education, Monash University
Peter Freebody – Professor, Faculty of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney
Barbara Comber – Professor, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology