Tools for Teaching Literacy Series / Teaching Literacy in First Grade

1. Where Do I Begin?: Getting to Know Your Students, Your Classroom, and the Curriculum
2. Understanding How Children Learn to Read Written Language
3. Supporting First-Grade Writing
4. Exciting Day 1: Instruction Begins
5. Differentiating Instruction: Using Assessment Information Wisely
6. Grouping for Differentiated Instruction and Classroom Management
7. Supporting Oral Language Development
8. Teaching English Language Learners
9. How Does the Year Continue?
10. You Can't Do This Alone: The Home-School Connection

Diane Lapp, EdD, is Distinguished Professor of Education in the Department of Teacher Education at San Diego State University. She has taught elementary, middle, and high school and serves as Director of Learning at Health Sciences High and Middle College. Her research and instruction focus on issues related to struggling readers and writers who live in economically deprived urban settings, and their families and teachers. Widely published, Dr. Lapp has received the Outstanding Teacher Educator of the Year Award from the International Literacy Association, among other honors, and is a member of both the International Reading Hall of Fame and the California Reading Hall of Fame.

James Flood, PhD, is Distinguished Research Professor of Language and Literacy at San Diego State University (SDSU); has taught in preschool, elementary, and secondary schools; and has been a language arts supervisor and vice principal. He was a Fulbright scholar at the University of Lisbon in Portugal and the President of the National Reading Conference. Dr. Flood has chaired and cochaired many committees of the International Reading Association (IRA), National Council of Teachers of English, National Council of Researchers in English, and National Reading Conference. Currently Dr. Flood teaches graduate courses at SDSU. He has coauthored and edited many articles, columns, handbooks, and children's materials on reading and language arts. The recipient of many awards for his teaching and research, Dr. Flood is the coeditor of The California Reader and a member of the board of directors of the IRA.

Kelly Moore, PhD, is a literacy resource teacher in the San Diego Unified School District, where she teaches at a large urban elementary school that has formed a unique collaboration with a middle school, high school, and San Diego State University. Within this partnership, Dr. Moore collaborates with teachers from all grade levels on literacy staff development, preservice education, and

This teacher-friendly book lays out the elements necessary to create a well-balanced classroom where children's reading, speaking, and writing can thrive. Great book lists, school-to-home letters, easy-to-manage assessment charts, and well-defined, research-based routines will help new and seasoned teachers create a literacy-rich classroom. If first-grade teachers are going to read only one professional book on literacy this year, this should be the one.--Catherine Kuhns, MEd, National Board Certified Teacher (Early Childhood), Country Hills Elementary School, Coral Springs, Florida

This is just the resource new primary teachers are looking for. The teacher-friendly text and authentic examples make research-based practices come alive. From up-to-date information on workshop models and differentiated instruction and assessment, to tried-and-true room arrangements, Teaching Literacy in First Grade has something for everyone!--Nancy Frey, PhD, School of Teacher Education, San Diego State University

This book provides first-time first-grade teachers with explicit suggestions and guidance for developing a comprehensive literacy program. The many vignettes help teachers see how literacy instruction is delivered in academically rich, culturally diverse classrooms. I especially appreciated the chapter on home-school connections.--Billie Enz, PhD, Division of Curriculum and Instruction, Arizona State University
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