Based on a two-day presentation workshop on early reading and writing approaches, the 12 essays in this book discuss the development of literacy, natural approaches in developing literacy, and supporting literacy development. Essays in the book are: (1) "Theories of Natural Language" (Carolyn N. Hedley); (2) "Oral Language Development" (Patricia A. Antonacci); (3) "The Role of Play in Literacy Development" (David N. Berg); (4) "A Portfolio Approach in Documenting Literacy in Young Children" (Patricia A. Antonacci); (5) "The Development of Early Writing" (Patricia A. Antonacci); (6) "Strategies for Young Authors: Making Writing Work in the Primary Grades" (Patricia A. Antonacci); (7) "I Can Read! Empowering Young Readers for Success" (Christine Bluestein); (8) "Tried and True: Books That Fit the Interests and Needs of Young Children" (Sally R. Costa); (9) "He's Not Looking at the Book! Metacognition and the Young Child" (Patricia Chiarelli Elfant); (10) "Literature Webbing: Literacy across the Curriculum" (Patricia Chaplin); (11) "Creating Environments That Promote Literacy" (Florence D. Musiello); and (12) "New Directions in Literacy Programs: The Empowerment Movement" (Regis G. Bernhardt and Anthony N. Baratta). A bibliographic essay on family literacy resources (Robin Alinkofsky) is attached. (RS)