EARLY CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCE IN THE LANGUAGE ARTS: EARLY LITERACY, Ninth Edition is a tried and true reference aiming to help produce teachers who matter, teachers who are prepared, and teachers who are knowledgeable companions in exploring and sharing literature and language experiences with young children. To achieve this, the book encourages reflective thinking, allows practice of skills, and inspires the collection of ideas for future use. Many new features in the ninth edition will equip readers with valuable information they can take directly into practice. The book includes the most current national legislative efforts, as well as attention to public concern and interest in young children's language and foundational literacy skills. It also thoroughly addresses the interrelation of listening, speaking, reading, writing, and viewing language arts areas. While taking a high-level view that paints a comprehensive picture of the most important aspects of teaching early literacy, the book also takes a practical approach. Readers will learn specific activities that include stories, poems, finger plays, and puppetry that they can use in a classroom setting. They also will learn curriculum for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, with the theory followed up by deliberate how-to suggestions. Cultural diversity is addressed, as well as program planning ideas for English language learners and special-needs children.