Singapore University of Social Sciences

The Abecedarian Approach (AA) comprises a suite of strong teaching and learning strategies that can be used within many existing curricula. The theoretical underpinnings derive from Vygotsky’s concept of adult-mediated activities, Scaife and Bruner’s explanation of joint attention and Piaget’s sequencing of developmental progression. Also central is a focus on oral language competencies emerging from birth to age three that form a foundation for later literacy and reading. These key concepts are embodied in the Abecedarian Approach through four core educational programme elements: Language Priority, Enriched Caregiving, Conversational Reading and the Learning Games. This course includes a practicum component where learners are required to observe as well as be involved in programmes that have adopted AA into their curriculum and/or intervention work with children and families.