"The continuum of lessons presented in this book is based on a simple, effective premise: introduce and reinforce essential literacy skills starting in kindergarten, then build on these skills in each successive year, and children will be reading and writing at grade level by the end of grade 3. More important, students will have the foundation necessary to continue to develop their literacy skills throughout their formal education. The book's research-based reading and writing lesson plans follow a balanced literacy model and include the following: plenty of modeling, scaffolding, guided practice, and independent practice; a focus on skills such as writing letters and personal narratives, understanding genres, and recognizing story elements and main idea; step-by-step procedures that are easy to follow and implement immediately; supplemental reproducibles and lists of suggested texts; similar terminology and methods throughout the grades so students and teachers start on even footing each year. Best of all, with minor modifications, you can implement this framework into your existing curriculum. Primary-grade students deserve a solid literacy foundation, and their teachers deserve quality instructional ideas to help them meet state and federally mandated goals. This resource provides both and can serve as a great tool for any teacher, administrator, curriculum developer, or literacy specialist."--PUBLISHER'S WEBSITE.