Literacy Development in Early Childhood: Reflective Teaching for Birth to Age Eight

Literacy Development in Early Childhood offers a truly comprehensive look at literacy development, beginning in infancy and continuing through grade 8. Organized developmentally, chapters on the “signs” of early literacy behaviors are followed by chapters on “enhancing” those behaviors. Assessment topics, including observation forms for classroom use, and developmentally appropriate strategies are integrated throughout. The role of oral language as a foundation for literacy, home-school connections, and cultural influences on literacy development are also emphasized. This text will help teachers serve as thoughtful mediators in children's transactions with literacy.

 

Provides Teachers with Tools for Reflective Literacy Instruction. The book’s organization and narrative encourages teachers to become reflective decision-makers who select and implement instructional strategies based upon their knowledge of individual children’s emergent literacy behaviors and needs.

 

Explores Literacy Strategies through Classroom- and Home-Based Examples and Vignettes. Numerous vignettes and teacher-child interactions throughout the book demonstrate literacy scaffolding in an applied and authentic manner.

 

Supports Teachers in Multicultural and Urban Settings. An emphasis on linguistic and cultural diversity is woven throughout—including an array of strategies for English Language Learners—to provide today’s teachers with the knowledge to help all children succeed.