Focuses on literacy teaching and learning in the elementary grades. Explores critical approaches to developing comprehension and composition of broadly defined texts. Practices varied methods of reading and writing instruction. Emphasizes instruction and assessment of listening and speaking skills, reading levels, phonemic awareness, word analysis, fluency, vocabulary, syntax, and academic language. Introduces management strategies such as grouping, scaffolds, interaction protocols, and engagement opportunities to provide grounding for the teaching and learning of literacy content. Stresses planning for cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity, as well as for children with disabilities. This is the first of a three-course sequence.