This reading methods text focuses on a contemporary, active learning approach for teaching literacy. Its 11 chapters and teacher resource handbook help teachers develop balanced literacy programs using both direct and indirect instruction. One of the text's hallmark features is its complete presentation of authentic children's stories, accompanied by sample lesson plans that guide teachers in developing their own lessons. Chapter 1, "Focus on Literacy Learning," provides background about how literacy develops. The chapter emphasizes the stages of literacy development, the role of standards, how diversity impacts literacy learning, and the place of technology in literacy development. Technology coverage, integrated throughout text, helps teachers use technology both to improve instruction and update their own teaching knowledge. A new list of technology resources is presented at the end of each chapter.