The focus is on the learner's needs, a balance of experiences and approaches, and recognition of the various sources of knowledge about literacy learning. It is an active, cognitive, and affective process. Environments rich in literacy experiences, resources, and models facilitate reading development. Engagement in the reading task is key in successfully learning to read. Children develop phonemic awareness and knowledge of phonics through a variety of literacy opportunities, models, and demonstrations.
Children learn successful reading strategies in the context of real reading.
The body of the book explains and provides and in depth research support for the 13 core understandings. Additional sections cover changing expectations for literacy achievement, factors affecting literacy learning, connections between oral and written language, and providing access to high levels of literacy for all. An extensive bibliography supports the synthesis.