This series of books uses fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts, as well as phonics, as a basis to help young children in the Early Years develop their literacy skills. It brings together the early learning goals of the foundation stage and the national literacy strategy objectives, using structured play, games and fun activities to put across the relevant teaching points in an enjoyable way, while simultaneously nurturing a love of literature. Each book presents structured activities based around suggested focus texts. To help practitioners save time in planning and organizing, the materials needed and the preparation required for each session are described in detail. The activities have been designed to cater to different achievement levels, and can be adapted or added to according to the needs of individual children and settings. Follow-up activities are also suggested, to bring in wider aspects of the Early Learning Goals and the NLS objectives. Elements of this book include exploring well-loved traditional stories and quality familiar modern stories by established authors; using the texts as a basis to focus on specific literacy goals and objectives; using the texts as a stimulus for games and play activities that help to teach literacy skills; planning and preparation for each literacy session, including materials needed and scripted sessions; ideas for working and playing with the whole group and smaller groups to consolidate the literacy skill; and extension ideas and activities.

This Fourth Edition of Language and Literacy in the Early Years has been fully revised and updated to reflect current professional interests and the latest developments in the field. The book provides comprehensive coverage of issues in language, literacy and learning, focusing on the age range from birth to seven years. New material covers theory of mind, key persons, and social and emotional dimensions of learning. The author added material on difficulties with language development, phonics and new literacies. Key terms, further reading and a revised layout make the book accessible to students. The author emphasizes the joy and creativity involved in supporting young children′s development as speakers, writers and readers. While taking account of current initiatives and programmes, the author supports flexible teaching methods in what is a complex teaching and learning process. The book is fully illustrated with examples and photos from early childhood settings. This book is essential reading for primary and early years students and practitioners in the field of language and literacy including nursery nurses, classroom assistants and foundation stage teachers.

How do early childhood educators foster young children’s understanding of reading and writing during this emergent literacy period? Moreover, how can they nurture a love of reading and writing? With these two questions at its core, the revised edition of this bestselling resource provides: A comprehensive and updated overview of what literacy development looks like for children from birth through age 5; Instructional approaches that support robust early language, literacy, and content knowledge learning; Considerations for choosing and sharing materials and for designing the physical environment in ways that support language and literacy learning; Recommendations for developmentally appropriate books that engage children’s minds and imaginations; Authentic writing samples that showcase young children’s thinking around and explorations with mark making. Grounded in new research and drawn from the authors’ extensive experience, this book gives educators the tools they need to create and build on learning opportunities that will lead to thriving, motivated readers and writers.

The Roadmap to Literacy Renewal of Literacy Edition is a reading, writing, and language arts program for Waldorf schools grades 1-3.

This series of books uses fiction, non-fiction and poetry texts, as well as phonics, as a basis to help young children in the Early Years develop their literacy skills. It brings together the early learning goals of the foundation stage and the national literacy strategy objectives, using structured play, games and fun activities to put across the relevant teaching points in an enjoyable way, while simultaneously nurturing a love of literature. Each book presents structured activities based around suggested focus texts. To help practitioners save time in planning and organizing, the materials needed and the preparation required for each session are described in detail. The activities have been designed to cater to different achievement levels, and can be adapted or added to according to the needs of individual children and settings. Follow-up activities are also suggested, to bring in wider aspects of the Early Learning Goals and the NLS objectives. Elements of this book include exploring well-loved traditional stories and quality familiar modern stories by established authors; using the texts as a basis to focus on specific literacy goals and objectives; using the texts as a stimulus for games and play activities that help to teach literacy skills; planning and preparation for each literacy session, including materials needed and scripted sessions; ideas for working and playing with the whole group and smaller groups to consolidate the literacy skill; and extension ideas and activities.

Bringing together two key areas within early childhood— play and literacy — this book offers an innovative approach to examining literacies within the context of children’s play. This book: Introduces students to contemporary theory and research in the field Explores the debates surrounding young children’s play and how language and literacies are created through a range of play activity Helps students to reflect on how this knowledge can be applied in their future professional lives working to support young children Advocating for young children’s play and diverse literacies, this book supports students to develop a depth of knowledge about how play can extend children’s literacies, and encourages early childhood educators to reflect on and enhance their literacy practices with young children.

The Hands-On English Language Learning program is a resource for classroom teachers, specialist teachers working with English-language learners, and other educational professionals who support these students. To assist your students in developing language skills, this resource includes: specific curricular connections for each lesson to identify links to subject-area themes in language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, health, physical education, and the arts integrated class activities to promote learning in context for all students in the classroom suggested activities focus on curricular topics in all subject areas, while supporting English language learners relevant topics such as the classroom and school, clothing, food, hobbies and interests, plants and animals of Canada, the world, and the environment age-appropriate, high-interest learning activities that foster the development of essential English language vocabulary and skills in listening, speaking, reading, writing, viewing, and representing activities (in keeping with the philosophy of all Portage & Main Press Hands-On programs) that are student-centred and focus on real-life, hands-on experiences Please note: All blackline masters are included on a CD.

This book describes a doctoral research project which aims at investigating actual practices of dialogic oriented shared book reading targeting immigrant children in German kindergartens. In this particular research project, the potential contributions of these practices to children's German as second language learning were also assessed. The participants of the study were five native German speaking kindergarten teachers (Erzieherinnen) and five groups of four to six children ages 3- 6 years old. The data sources were videotaped shared book reading sessions which were afterwards transcribed and analysed by using content analysis method. The analysis phases of the study revealed the following findings: 1) there were three different forms of interactions found during the observed shared book reading situations; 2) there were various educators' strategies and children's behaviours observed during the videotaped shared book reading situations, which to some extent were congruent; 3) there were potential contributions of different forms of interactions to children's second language learning. Eventually, the findings of this study are expected to give theoretical and methodological contributions to the field of early childhood second language learning. Moreover, it is also expected to be a solid empirical basis to support the improvement of language promotion programs for immigrant children in German kindergartens.

As the number of children for whom English is an Additional Language in schools increases, how do teachers and trainees prepare to support them to succeed? A complete guide to understanding, learning from and teaching bilingual and EAL children in schools. The text begins by asking ′who are EAL learners′ and challenges some of the misconceptions about this group. It goes on to examine language in depth, providing focused theory to help teachers and trainees better understand the wider context of children′s needs. This theory is supported by a wealth of information on practical teaching strategies and resources in the promoting learning section. The text covers planning across the curriculum for EAL and offers day-to-day practical support for teachers. The fourth edition is updated throughout and includes a new chapter on EAL and SEND.