This book focuses on literacy development during the all-important Foundation Stage years. It is aimed at anyone who works with the three-plus age group -- nursery nurses, nursery teachers, Reception class teachers, nursery and Reception assistants and students practising in day nurseries, nursery schools or Reception classes. The book sets out to offer a wide range of practical activities that can be used to help children develop the skills of reading and writing. The chapters break up the field of literacy development into six broad areas. Chapter 1: The Setting, looks at organizing a literate play environment and working with groups; Chapter 2: The Sounds of Language, covers the sounds of spoken language; Chapter 3: Matching Sound and Symbol, discusses the association between sounds and letters; Chapters 4: Becoming a Writer and 5: Becoming a Reader, focus on early writing and reading experiences; and Chapter 6: The Role of the Picture Book, looks at the role of the picture book. The final chapter, Chapter 7: Planning and Recording, provides information on planning, assessment and recording. At the end of each chapter, the useful resources section recommends items that can be purchased. Sections on references and further reading and useful addresses, as well as a Glossary and Index, are included.