Routledge Teaching Essential Literacy Skills in the Early Years Classroom: A Guide for Students and Teachers

Teaching and learning literacy in the early years can be a joyful, explorative and meaningful experience. This accessible book will give teachers and practitioners the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge they require to successfully and confidently teach reading, writing and oral skills in the early years classroom. Foregrounding the ways in which literacy instruction can be made enjoyable and meaningful from the very beginning, Teaching Essential Literacy Skills in the Early Years Classroom explores the theory and practice of teaching various aspects of literacy and language, from phonological awareness, phonics and fluency, to vocabulary and comprehension. Chapters draw on the latest research to identify and showcase best practice in writing instruction, illustrate how language and literacy can be developed through play, and outline how a teacher might use the environment to enhance children’s learning. Downloadable resources, examples of planning, classroom activities and vignettes can be quickly and easily adapted for use in any early years setting. A rich and comprehensive source of information, ideas, activities and tips, this will be a key resource for pre- and in-service teachers and practitioners looking to adopt a cohesive, effective and meaningful approach to literacy teaching and learning. Review "This book explores instructional approaches to teaching reading and writing in junior primary classrooms. The author draws on research based best practice and presents a number of meaningful approaches to reading in infant classes including shared and guided reading, and approaches to teaching writing through a workshop approach. The book is a very useful guide for both practicing and pre-service teachers...The emphasis on meaningful, authentic contexts is consistent in each chapter. While the author provides answers to many questions, she encourages more; practitioners are invited to reflect on their own practice and consider how to enhance their own methodologies and approaches. The book is a timely, comprehensive resource that all practitioners in early years’ classrooms will benefit from reading." - Niamh Watkins, Assistant Professor of Literacy at Dublin City University, Literary Association of Ireland Newsletter, Spring 2019 About the Author Tara Concannon-Gibney is Assistant Professor of Literacy at Dublin City University, Ireland.