Reading and writing are the most important skills a child acquires during his or her lifetime--and it all begins in the early childhood classroom, where creative play, discovery and time to explore are at the heart of a developmentally appropriate and child-centered curriculum. Striking a balance between these often competing priorities can challenge even the most experienced educator.

Synopsis coming soon.......

Each easy-to-read nonfiction book for younger students introduces animal life cycles, similarities and differences, adaptations, habitats, communication, interdependence, and needs. With crisp, close-up color photographs and higher-level thinking questions built into each text, this innovative series engages new readers in their own learning.

Divided into four sections, text includes more than 500 activities which are planned to meet the development levels, interests, and abilities of children in grades K to 3 who are emergent readers in the beginning literacy program.

Widely adopted as an ideal introduction to the major models of reading, this text guides students to understand and facilitate children's literacy development. Coverage encompasses the full range of theories that have informed reading instruction and research, from classical thinking to cutting-edge cognitive, social learning, physiological, and affective perspectives. Readers learn how theory shapes instructional decision making and how to critically evaluate the assumptions and beliefs that underlie their own teaching. Pedagogical features include framing and discussion questions, learning activities, teacher anecdotes, classroom applications, and examples of research studies grounded in each approach. ÿ New to This Edition *Chapter on physiological foundations of reading development, including the impact of nutrition, sleep, and exercise. *Chapter on affective/emotional perspectives, such as the role of engagement and teacher-student relationships. *Additional social learning perspectives: Critical Race Theory and Multiliteracies Theory. *All chapters updated with the latest research; many new teacher anecdotes added.