Recognizing that language itself is not an isolated entity but part of a larger social, cultural, and cognitive context, the papers in this book investigate the relationships among all aspects of language--reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Literacy is dealt with as the development of language in young children. Issues related to this theme are explored from many different viewpoints--the researcher, the teacher, the psychologist, and the anthropologist--and studies from several countries are analyzed and synthesized to form theoretical constructs. Guiding principles, or models, based on these constructs are presented that suggest ways in which older people can help young children become literate. The following papers are included: "Adult Assistance to Language Development: Scaffolds, Models, and Direct Instruction" (C. B. Cazden); "Thinking and Experience: The Cognitive Base for Language Experience" (I. Athey); "Language Development and Learning to Write: Theory and Research Findings" (R. P. Parker); "Children's Use of Language and Learning to Read" (J. Tough); "Beginning Reading Development: Strategies and Principles" (Y. M. Goodman); "Creating Minds, Created Texts: Writing and Reading (J. Birnbaum and J. Emig); "Writing: What For?" (N. Martin); "The Reading Transaction: What For?" (L. M. Rosenblatt); "Schooling and the Growth of the Mind" (R. P. Parker); "Developing Literacy: Observation, Analysis, and Mediation in Schools" (F. A. Davis); and "Reading and Writing in the Real World: Explorations into the Culture of Literacy" (D. M. Smith). (HTH)