This book contains patterns and activities designed to supplement core literacy instruction, showing students how to work together within large- and small-group settings, independently in learning centers, or at home with their parents. Section 1, "Essential Elements and Skills of a Balanced Literacy Program," provides ideas on how to create a balanced literacy program in the classroom. It offers a listing, definition, and implementation ideas for integrated literacy instruction. Section 2, "ABC Print with Me: Manuscript Practice Pages for Beginners" teaches correct letter formation and provides manuscript practice with letter/sound picture cues and written instructions. Section 3, "ABC Alphacards: Multi-Purpose Alphabet Cards with Picture Cues," strengthens letter/sound recognition. These patterns may be used on hats, as flashcards, for alphabet or coloring books, puppets, alphabet strips, or word wall labels. Section 4, "ABC Read with Me: Early Emergent Level Books Focusing on Letter/Sound Recognition," also strengthens letter/sound recognition, in addition to print concepts and book-handling skills, in the early emergent reader. Section 5, "ABC Read with Me: Emergent Level Books Focusing on the Use of High Frequency Words," reinforces vocabulary, high-frequency word recognition, and concepts of print in the emergent reader. Section 6, "ABC Rhyme with Me: A-Z Poems with Activities and Class-Made Books," contains activities and a collection of poems which incorporate rich language, rhyme, and meter. Also contains activities and a student-made book pattern for each poem. (NKA)