Combining the language experience approach and phonics instruction, this guide provides parents and early childhood teachers a comprehensive resource for developing a strong foundation for pre-readers. The guide offers over 1,000 activities, games, fingerplays, songs, tongue-twisters, poems, and stories for the letters of the alphabet to develop a child's desire to read as well as the skills needed to begin reading. Following the introduction outlining basic principles of emergent literacy and realistic expectations for ages birth to 3 years, 3 to 4 years, and 5 years of age, the chapters of the book are as follows: (1) "Getting Ready," including listening games, language activities, and tips for reading aloud to children; (2) "Comprehending Stories," including enacting and dramatizing stories, using questions to enhance comprehension, and developing higher level thinking; (3) "Developing Oral Language," including extending and enriching vocabulary, and matching words to thoughts and actions; (4) "Understanding the Functions of Print," including understanding spatial orientation and recognizing part/whole relationships; and (5) "Acquiring Reading Skills," including recognizing sight words and developing phonological awareness. The guide's appendix includes assessment lists, patterns, sequence cards, recipes, games, and a glossary. (HTH)