Research shows that literacy--the ability to listen, view, speak, read, and write - begins developing long before children enter elementary school. This book helps early childhood educators nurture that development. It begins with an argument for offering children literacy-rich activities and creating an environment for carrying out those activities. From there, it focuses on reading aloud, playing with words, and designing writing centers, book nooks, dramatic play areas, and other aspects of instruction. Loaded with photographs, student work, and straight talk about kids and learning, Literacy and the Youngest Learner is destined to become a classic.