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.

A creative guide to over 5000 alphabet books with activities, games, and projects that can be used with ABC books.

Much of teachers’ attention these days is focused on having students read closely to ferret out the author’s intended meaning and the devices used to convey that meaning. But we cannot forget to guide students to have moving engagements with literature, because they need to make strong personal connections to books of merit if they are to become the next generation of readers: literate people with awareness of and concern for the diversity of human beings around them and in different times and places. Fortunately, guiding both students’ personal engagement with literature and their close reading to appreciate the author’s message and craft are not incompatible goals. This book enthusiastically and intelligently addresses both imperatives, first surveying what is gained when students are immersed in literature; then celebrating and explicating the main features of literature students need to understand to broaden their tastes and deepen their engagement, at the same time they meet external standards; then presenting a host of active methods for exploring all major genres of children’s books; and finally presenting suggestions for interdisciplinary teaching units grounded in literature. Created by noted leaders in the fields of children’s literature and literacy, the book is enlivened by recurring features such as suggested reading lists, issues for discussion, links to technology, and annotations of exemplary books.

A comprehensive annotated guide to 663 counting books, divided into ten subject areas. Each section includes a description of the subject area, an annotated bibliography of related books, and a number of activities that can be used in connection with counting and math books. Reproducible activity pages are included in each section.

Infused with our authors’ personal experiences teaching, Literacy in Australia, 3rd Edition is delivered as a full colour printed textbook with an interactive eBook code included. This enables students to master concepts and succeed in assessment by taking the roadblocks out of self-study, with features designed to get the most out of learning such as animations, interactivities, concept check questions and videos. With a prioritised focus on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures featured throughout the text, pre-service teachers will be well-equipped with the knowledge of what kinds of activities they can include in and out of the classroom for an enriching learning experience for their students.