Early literacy instruction typically emphasizes foundational skills--often at the expense of engaging young children in reading and supporting their comprehension of different types of texts. This book explains the essential elements of comprehension and shares a wealth of classroom-tested instructional practices. It presents developmentally informed strategies for scaffolding comprehension skills, using content to promote engagement, and implementing high-level discussions and writing tasks. Ways to teach and assess English learners and other diverse students are highlighted throughout. The book features explicit links to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as well as helpful reproducible forms. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2 x 11 size. See also the authors related book on the intermediate grades: Expanding Reading Comprehension in Grades 3-6.

Early literacy instruction typically emphasizes foundational skills--often at the expense of engaging young children in reading and supporting their comprehension of different types of texts. This book explains the essential elements of comprehension and shares a wealth of classroom-tested instructional practices. It presents developmentally informed strategies for scaffolding comprehension skills, using content to promote engagement, and implementing high-level discussions and writing tasks. Ways to teach and assess English learners and other diverse students are highlighted throughout. The book features explicit links to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) as well as helpful reproducible forms. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size.

1. Unifying Theory, Research, and Practice 2. Comprehension Considerations for Students from Diverse Linguistic and Cultural Backgrounds 3. It's All About Scaffolding 4. Using Content to Create Engagement 5. Comprehension Strategy Instruction and Self-Regulation 6. Let's Talk About It: High-Level Discussions 7. Written Responses to Texts and Writing Projects 8. Assessing Reading Comprehension in the Early Grades 9. Beyond the Classroom: Intervening to Provide Additional Comprehension Support