Early literacy instruction is one of the most fundamental goals of schooling, and one that sets the stage for students' lifelong learning and success. The text encompasses standards for early literacy instruction, instructional strategies, alternative assessment procedures, strategies for making program connections, and ways to integrate children's home literacy into the classroom. Each chapter opens with vignettes to emphasize key points in the text, and offers instruction on how teachers can create classrooms that immerse children in theoretically-sound, meaningful literacy though events, lessons, and activities. This engaging, user-friendly book makes the ideas on theory and practice readily accessible to those interested in helping young children learn to read.