Designing Early Literacy Programs

Taking professionals and students step-by-step through conceptualizing, planning, and implementing an effective early literacy program, this practical book focuses on preventing reading difficulties and promoting success in at-risk 3-5 year olds. The authors draw on their extensive research and many years of influential work in real classrooms to create realistic and readily usable resources. A comprehensive framework is shown for helping young children construct meaning from different kinds of texts, develop key oral language skills and learn concepts about print and the alphabet. Ideas for tailoring instruction to the needs of culturally and linguistically diverse learners are accompanied by clear assessment guidelines. Concluding chapters bring the authors' approach to life with vivid depictions of a preschool and a kindergarten classroom in action. Two invaluable appendices provide additional useful resources: reproducible sheets for conducting literacy assessments and a primer on phonics for teachers. With a current lack of resources for pre-kindergarten, this book offers practical, how-to-do-it suggestions for setting up literacy activities and arranging the classroom environment.

This acclaimed teacher resource and course text describes proven ways to accelerate the language and literacy development of young children, including those at risk for reading difficulties. The authors draw on extensive research and classroom experience to present a complete framework for differentiated instruction and early intervention. Strategies for creating literacy-rich classrooms, conducting effective assessments, and implementing targeted learning activities are illustrated with vivid examples and vignettes. Helpful reproducible assessment tools are provided. Purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size. New to This Edition *Fully restructured around a differentiated instruction model. *Incorporates response-to-intervention concepts and principles. *Chapter on exemplary prevention-focused classrooms, with an emphasis on playful learning. *Additional appendices: multipage assessment scoring record plus sample completed forms. *Links instruction to the Common Core State Standards.