Organizing the Early Literacy Classroom

“This book is a 'must' for classroom teachers, literacy coaches, and administrators. The big picture—literacy development—is broken into manageable pieces. Effective teaching practices, along with a wealth of resources, are provided throughout. A classroom teacher can follow the steps from cover to cover and ultimately create a successful literacy classroom. I call this book the 'all-in-one literacy organizer' for teachers.”

—Dana D. Williams, MEd, instructional coach, Louisville Academy, Louisville, Georgia


“The book flows well and provides absolutely necessary information for new educators. Even as an experienced teacher, I found many ideas to help improve my own teaching style and techniques. I already follow the authors' framework for organizing my reading and writing instruction, and my students are doing fabulously!”

—Ashley Adlam-Hernandez, MEd, kindergarten teacher, Blades Elementary School, Seaford, Delaware


“Walpole and McKenna have crafted a work that is certain to be valuable to both novice and veteran teachers. This comprehensive book not only explores reading assessment and instruction, but also provides important insights on how to organize primary classrooms. Filled with examples of thoughtful classroom practices, the volume will inform and inspire teachers who are dedicated to helping all children become readers and writers. It addresses a range of challenges that many other works overlook, including the demand for data-driven instruction, ways to collaborate with colleagues, and how to differentiate instruction and establish routines in bustling classrooms.”

—Catherine Compton-Lilly, PhD, Department of Curriculum and Instruction, University of Wisconsin–Madison


“Teachers will appreciate this comprehensive, practical, and well-rounded book. It offers a wealth of resources and could very well serve as a blueprint for organizing the early literacy classroom. Educators are guided to successfully create assessment plans, set and reach learning goals, and take control of their own professional growth by beginning with the simple ‘microhabit’ of reading.”

—Natasha M. Parker, EdS, Instructional Coach, Carver Elementary School, Wadley, Georgia