Designing Early Literacy Programs Differentiated Instruction in Preschool and Kindergarten

This acclaimed teacher resource and course text describes proven ways to accelerate the language and literacy development of young children, including those at risk for reading difficulties. The authors draw on extensive research and classroom experience to present a complete framework for differentiated instruction and early intervention. Strategies for creating literacy-rich classrooms, conducting effective assessments, and implementing targeted learning activities are illustrated with vivid examples and vignettes. Helpful reproducible assessment tools are provided. Purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

New to This Edition
*Fully restructured around a differentiated instruction model.
*Incorporates response-to-intervention concepts and principles.
*Chapter on exemplary prevention-focused classrooms, with an emphasis on playful learning.
*Additional appendices: multipage assessment scoring record plus sample completed forms.
*Links instruction to the Common Core State Standards.

Lea M. McGee, EdD, is the Marie M. Clay Chair of Reading Recovery and Early Literacy at The Ohio State University. She studies the effects of preschool classroom interventions on preschool and kindergarten literacy achievement, the impact of kindergartners' "fingerpoint reading" on their first-grade text reading, young children's responses to literature, and the effects of a systematic approach to drama and retelling on kindergartners' comprehension and vocabulary development. Dr. McGee is coauthor of Teaching Literacy in Kindergarten, among other books.

Donald J. Richgels, PhD, is Distinguished Research Professor Emeritus in Literacy Education at Northern Illinois University. His research interests are preschool and kindergarten classroom practice and the relationship between spoken language acquisition and literacy development.

1. Who Is at Risk for Reading Difficulties?: Implications for Early Literacy Prevention and Intervention Programs
2. Accelerating Children's Language and Literacy Learning in Exemplary Prevention Classrooms
3. Keeping the End Goal in Mind: Teaching for Knowledge and Comprehension Gains
4. Literacy Development and Its Assessment
5. Using Assessment to Plan Differentiated Instruction
6. Small-Group Differentiated Instructional Activities for Early Emergent Readers and Writers
7. Small-Group Differentiated Instructional Activities for Later Emergent Readers and Writers
8. Small-Group Differentiated Instructional Activities for Experimenting Readers and Writers
9. Differentiated Instruction in Action
Appendix A. A Primer on Phonics for Teachers
Appendix B. Literacy Assessments
Appendix C. Literacy Assessment Scoring Record
Appendix D. Literacy Assessment Scoring Records for Eric, Sarah, Marceli, and Jacob