Based on its highly successful parent book, this comprehensive, practical book provides its readers with step-by-step guidance for teaching children in grades Pre-K to 4 all major aspects of reading and writing.In response to today's needs to tailor instruction for the lower grades (pre-K-4), this updated edition features sample lessons for virtually every major literacy skill/strategy and offers numerous reinforcement suggestions and generous listings of materials appropriate for the lower grades. The methods emphasized are those that have been validated by research and/or practice. Extensive coverage is provided for areas of instruction mandated by federal programs such as Reading First: phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. However, the text also presents the theories behind the methods, so readers will be free to choose, adapt, and/or construct their own approaches as they create a balanced program of literacy instruction. Because language is the basis for literacy, the text emphasizes language development at all levels. Given the current emphasis on "Leaving No Child Behind," the text explores the role of pre-school and kindergarten programs in providing all students with foundational skills so that they don't experience difficulty learning to read and write. With classrooms becoming increasingly diverse, the text details age-appropriate techniques for working with English language learners and at-risk students.Inservice and preservice teachers. New to the Second Edition: Listing, description, and discussion of Common Core State Standards Added emphasis on developing phonemic awareness and other pre-reading skills, with additional lessons and techniques for students who are struggling Expanded coverage of phonics and syllabication skills Addition of three powerful new research-based teaching techniques that work especially well with struggling readers Increased coverage of assessing for learning