"Gives us an inside view of what children should experience in the primary grades and shows us how we can build them up to new experiences in the intermediate grades. A great resource for vertical team collaborations, teachers who are transitioning from teaching primary to intermediate grades or vice versa, teachers in multiage classrooms, and teacher education classes." —Helena Stevens, Intermediate Literacy Coach Ricardo Richards Elementary School, Kingshill, Virgin Islands "Full of practical, everyday ideas to implement immediately. Offers true student examples that teachers see and experience daily." —Scott Kovatch, Principal Horizon Elementary School, Granger, IN How can teachers help their primary students become competent intermediate readers and writers? Supporting students as they advance from beginning to intermediate literacy levels poses a unique challenge for teachers. In Building Bridges From Early to Intermediate Literacy, Grades 2–4, Sarah F. Mahurt, Ruth E. Metcalfe, and Margaret A. Gwyther show how teachers can meet the instructional needs of students in transition from one level to the next. The authors offer practical guidance and classroom-tested strategies that demonstrate how thoughtful instruction can help each student reach new levels of competency in reading and writing. This invaluable resource shows teachers how to examine and refine their instructional practices to more effectively meet the needs of all the students in their classrooms, whether they are struggling readers or advanced learners. Educators will find: Specialized assessment tools and instructional strategies for word study, reading, and writing Detailed examples of reading and writing instruction Methods for integrating language arts with science and social studies Charts to track students' progress A teacher's reflection section at the end of each chapter Written by experienced literacy educators, this accessible text helps ensure that all students confidently cross the bridge from the primary to the intermediate grades.

Table of Contents:
List of Figures Foreword Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Introduction Teaching for Independence Teaching for Strategic Action Struggling Readers and English Language Learners How Children Grow as Readers and Writers Literacy Instruction During Transition Reflection 2. Assessment Getting Started Word Study Reading Writing Anecdotal Notes Running Records Conference Notes Using Assessment Finding Time Reflection 3. Word Study Learning About Words Phonological and Phonemic Awareness Phonics Structural Analysis High-Frequency Words Vocabulary Word Walls and Charts Linking to the Real Work of Reading and Writing Reflection 4. Reading Getting to Know a Reader in Transition Developing Stamina Changes in Work Stations Gradually Decreasing Small-Group Guided Reading Using Reading Mini Lessons Teaching Children How to Choose Books Literature Circles Strengthening Comprehension Shared Reading for Comprehension and Fluency Shifting Responses to Text Writing More Developed Responses to Reading Sharing Time Reflections 5. Writing Making Instructional Decisions Modeled Writing Shared Writing Interactive Writing Writing Workshop Mini Lessons Independent Writing and Conferring Sharing Reflection 6. Pulling It All Together Integrating Within the Language Arts Integrating Language Arts With Science and Social Studies Planning the Nonfiction Project Preparing for the Nonfiction Project Literacy Lessons on Nonfiction Reflection Afterword References Index