Noting that the early enjoyment of reading and writing provides a foundation for a lifetime of ongoing learning, this book details a literacy curriculum for preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. Chapter 1 describes the stages of writing development and discusses how early childhood teachers can facilitate emergent reading and writing. Chapter 2 discusses the use of "big books" for introducing children to important components of written language. Chapter 3 concerns the use of interactive charts to facilitate construction of reading concepts and demonstration of reading behaviors. Chapter 4 considers the incorporation of writing into play and other activities, while chapter 5 focuses on classroom writing centers. Chapter 6 presents literacy-based games and discusses the use of manipulative materials to promote early literacy. Chapter 7 focuses on using environmental print to enhance literacy and phonetic awareness. Chapter 8 describes the use of literacy suitcases, a take-home version of the classroom writing center. Chapters 2 through 8 include between 9 and 20 class activities, and each chapter highlights questions teachers often pose related to particular literacy activities. Included with each activity are guidelines for appropriate age levels, a list of specific materials, suggestions for what to expect as children use the materials, comments and questions to extend thinking and phonetic awareness, and modifications to enhance the activity or change the difficulty level. The book's five appendices include selected predictable books, reading and writing assessment forms, and a sample letter to parents. (KB)