Teaching essential literacy skills in the early years classroom : a guide for students and teachers Literacy learning in meaningful contexts Developing phonological awareness Phonics Other early reading skills Listening and reading comprehension Planning instruction using a meaningful context Guided reading and literacy centres Fine motor development and handwriting The writers workshop Developing language and literacy through play Bringing it all together. Teaching and learning literacy in the early years can be a joyful explorative and meaningful experience. This accessible book will give teachers and practitioners the practical and theoretical skills and knowledge they require to successfully and confidently teach reading writing and oral skills in the early years classroom. Foregrounding the ways in which literacy instruction can be made enjoyable and meaningful from the very beginning Teaching Essential Literacy Skills in the Early Years Classroom explores the theory and practice of teaching various aspects of literacy and language; from phonological awareness phonics and fluency to vocabulary and comprehension. Chapters draw on the latest research to identify and showcase best practice in writing instruction illustrate how language and literacy can be developed through play and outline how a teacher might use the environment to enhance childrens learning. Downloadable resources examples of planning classroom activities and vignettes can be quickly and easily adapted for use in any early years setting. A rich and comprehensive source of information ideas activities and tips this will be a key resource for pre and in service teachers and practitioners looking to adopt a cohesive effective and meaningful approach to literacy teaching and learning