Replete with authentic, first-person classroom descriptions, this introduction to emergent and early childhood literacy is built upon a five-part literacy instruction framework that is both comprehensive and practical. Each of the five components of the framework--teacher read-alouds, word study instruction, independent reading practice, guided reading instruction and writing workshop--is thoroughly developed in separate chapter discussions to prepare pre-service teachers for effective literacy instruction. Different from many other texts on the market, Smith and Read provide rudimentary and specific aspects of early literacy assessment and develop meaningful strategies for catching struggling young readers before they fall through the cracks.