This K-8 methods text shows how to implement a balanced classroom literacy program. Helping Children Learn to Read presents, in a clear, readable style, the current theories and techniques for creating a literacy program in elementary grades. There is strong coverage of the role of commercial and basal materials, the whole language perspective, and the integrated language arts curriculum. The book has a teaching-strategies orientation to decoding, vocabulary, comprehension, studying, and writing. There is also extensive discussion of emergent literacy, multicultural literature, metacognition, and holistic assessment. The text incorporates learning aids throughout each chapter. These include: Graphic Organizers, Objectives, Process Guides within the chapter for key concepts, Follow-Through Activities, Working with Parents, and Resources.

Table of Contents:
Preface. 1.Setting the Stage for Literacy Instruction. Literacy and Reading. Language Principles. 2.Creating a Community of Literacy Learners. Creating a Print-Rich Classroom Environment. Trade Books. Reference and Information Materials. Magazines. Print Production Area. Day-to-Day Print Area. 3.Early Literacy. Young Children and Reading — A Historical Review. Young Children and Reading — A Current View. Assessing Early Literacy. Print Awareness. Concepts of Print. Story Sense. Oral Language. Emerging Writing. 4.Instruction Using Commercial Materials. Basal Reader Approach. Adjusting Basal Reader Instruction. The Basal Reader in the Classroom Print Environment. 5.Balanced Literacy Instruction. Defining Balanced Literacy Instruction. Rationale for Integrated Language Arts Curriculum. Starting a Journey of Change. Implementing an Integrated Language Arts Curriculum. Transitional Readers. Reading/Writing Workshop. Book Club. Thematic Units. Informal Assessment. Creating Balance. 6.Decoding. The Decoding Process. Decoding Strategies. Decoding Skills as a Foundation for Decoding Strategies. Initial Decoding Skills. Permanent Decoding Skills. Assessing Decoding Strategies and Skills. 7.Vocabulary. Guidelines for Developing Word Meaning. Getting Ready to Teach Vocabulary. Strategies Emphasizing Context. Categorization Strategies. Strategies for Visually Representing Information. Extension Activities. 8.Comprehension. Making Comprehension Strategies Work across the Curriculum. Using Questioning to Develop Comprehension. Promoting Active Comprehension. Guiding Comprehension before, during, and after Reading. Using Retelling to Develop Comprehension. Critical Reading. Assessing Comprehension. 9.Promoting Independent Learning. Metacognition. Transfer to Content Areas. Study Strategies for Independent Learning. Time Management. Organizing and Retaining Information. Locating Information. Test-Taking. Writing. Assessing Study Strategies. 10.Writing and Reading. The Integrated Reading and Writing Process. Writing to Learn. Imaginative Writing to Inform. Assessing Writing. 11.Assessing Reading Abilities. How Tests Differ. Standardized Tests. Portfolios. Some Cautions and Comments. 12.Adapting Instruction for Children with Disabilities. Legislation and the Least Restrictive Environment. Current Trends in Special Education. The Debate about Inclusion. Children with Disabilities. Collaboration among Educators. Instructional Adaptations. Teaching Reading to Students with Disabilities. 13.Second Language Learners. Language and Reading Instruction. Making the Most of the Environment. Making Use of Language Experiences. Using Written and Personal Narratives. Working with Varied Literary Forms. Literature Response. Self-Selected Reading. Index.