In this year's Distinguished Educator department, we feature six educators whose research has focused on the role of early literacy in early childhood education. Each of the six addresses a vitally important aspect of early childhood literacy teaching and learning. Sections include: "Working with Families as Partners in Early Literacy," by Dorothy…

Presents an informal study in which 191 practicing teachers completed a survey requiring them to list their three most pressing questions about working with struggling readers and writers. Addresses some of the teachers' questions about struggling readers and writers for nine categories of concern. (SG)

Investigates the nature and range of materials available through school book clubs in the United States. Finds that the clubs offered a wide range of books that extend beyond contemporary realistic fiction. (SR)

Explores the concept of emergent literacy, discussing what children know about reading and writing, how they come to know it, and what this information means for classroom practices and school policy. (MM)

Presents the author's speech delivered at the Second Moscow Book Fair in 1979 and excerpts from her diary of the trip. (HOD)

Suggests literacy development in early childhood can be enhanced by creating a classroom environment rich in print. Shows how careful preparation of materials and setting promotes literacy by encouraging voluntary, spontaneous literacy behaviors while children are at free play in school. (MG)

Suggests that storytelling in the early childhood classroom is an excellent technique for fostering growth in language. Notes that the exposure to book language that a child receives through storytelling is related to reading development. (MG)

Discusses the developmental writing behaviors of children in a print rich environment. Suggests ways to encourage the writing process in beginning writers, and urges teachers to learn more about the concept of invented spelling. (MM)

Suggests ways to provide special spaces and materials in early childhood classrooms that promote literacy development, including classroom library centers, writing centers, and content area centers. (MM)

Advocates the development of oral language along with emergent literacy. Notes that classroom environment is essential to oral language development, and suggests ways to support children's language development, such as providing firsthand experiences with their environment, and focusing on materials and events relevant to their lives. (MM)

Discusses the benefits of reading aloud to preschool and kindergarten children. Notes that active participation accounts for many of these benefits. Suggests several interactive story reading strategies, including a Directed Listening-Thinking Activity and shared book experiences. (MM)

Asserts that children's literacy development depends on the literacy environment at home. Provides suggestions for creating an environment which encourages literacy development. Notes that teachers should share these suggestions with parents. (MM)

Examines the problems of using standardized tests to measure the development of early literacy. Notes that assessment is used to design instruction, and should reflect the skills and knowledge that are developing in young children. Provides examples of informal assessment contexts, such as interactive dialogues, observation, and performance…

Outlines an approach for moving staff, parents, and children toward an emergent literacy perspective. Discusses how to (1) lay the foundation for new policy directions; (2) assess the literacy environment; (3) plan for essential experiences; (4) attend to skill development and program objectives; and (5) reassess emergent literacy programs. (MM)

Describes some of the activities teacher researchers are doing in their classrooms, focusing on ways they use language, literature, and literacy activities to examine their students' development as well as their own growth. Also outlines ways teachers organize and analyze their observations in an effort to make them somewhat systematic. (HOD)