Literacy's Beginnings

One of the most talked about resources for prospective and current teachers of children from birth to age eight, this resource offers an integrated approach to reading and writing instruction keyed to the five typical stages through which most children pass: the IRA/NAEYC phases of literacy.

The new sixth edition of this widely popular resource continues to offer readers an integrated approach to reading and writing instruction keyed to the five typical stages through which most children pass: the IRA/NAEYC phases of literacy. It is designed to help pre- and in-service teachers be aware of and supportive of children’s literacy knowledge as it grows and changes from birth through eight years of age. It gives readers a thorough understanding of the long continuum of literacy growth and how teachers can guide children as they move along the continuum.

The emphasis is on student-centered and constructivist theory and practices, yet the authors also stress the need for direct, systematic, assessment-driven instruction. They keep their focus on early learners in preschool through the primary grades, and where applicable, they show readers the value of certain activities and practices for slightly older children.

In this edition, the authors continue to explain the literacy development of children at different developmental levels and to provide information about assessing children at each of those levels. Included are new expanded sections on differentiating instruction for struggling readers and writers, for children who are English Language Learners, and for children who have been identified as needing more intensive instruction as part of the Response to Intervention process. Also expanded are new sections in many chapters providing Technology Tie-Ins sending readers to exemplary websites and suggesting methods of integrating technology with reading and writing instruction.

Readers will find that the numerous, rich examples of children’s work included in case studies illustrating the concepts are expanded even further in this new edition to provide examples of diverse children in a variety of settings. The assessments in the Appendices have been expanded, giving teachers a greater variety of useful measures to try out with children.