Laura M. Justice – författare

High-quality preschool programs are essential to improving children’s outcomes in reading achievement and leveling language and literacy disparities among students from diverse backgrounds. Grounded in state-of-the-art research evidence, this practice-oriented book demonstrates how preschool professionals can create, evaluate, and sustain exemplary programs. Chapters from leading authorities cover coaching, assessment, and differentiation, as well as explicit strategies for teaching English language learners and helping at-risk readers. Discussion questions and suggested activities for professional development are included, as are reproducible assessment forms and planning tools for use in the classroom.

Language Development from Theory to Practice, Fourth Edition offers a clear, research-driven introduction to how children acquire language from infancy through adolescence. Integrating perspectives from linguistics, psychology, education, and communication sciences and disorders, the text emphasizes the connections among theory, research, and real-world application. Students gain a strong foundation in the domains of language including form, content, and use, while exploring the biological, cognitive, social, and cultural factors that shape development.With a focus on active learning and practical relevance, the Fourth Edition supports students in applying key concepts across clinical, educational, and research contexts. Engaging examples and structured learning supports help students build critical thinking skills and prepare for professional practice.New to the Fourth EditionReorganized foundational chapters for a clearer, more intuitive progression Learning Outcomes aligned with chapter content and paired with formative assessment End-of-chapter quizzes with answer explanations for self-assessment Learn More About video callouts illustrating key concepts Your Turn application activities in every chapter Theory to Practice features linking content to real-world contexts Expanded visuals and diagrams to support comprehensionKey FeaturesCoverage Across Development: Examines language growth from infancy through the school-age years and beyond. Focus on Individual Differences: Explores how developmental, environmental, and contextual factors shape language outcomes. Language Diversity: Addresses dialects, bilingualism, multilingualism, and the relationship between language and culture. Language Disorders Overview: Introduces major types of childhood language disorders and the professionals who identify and treat them. Interdisciplinary Perspective: Integrates insights from linguistics, psychology, neuroscience, and communication sciences.PluralPlus Online AncillariesFor instructors: Instructor's Manual, PowerPoint Slides, Test Bank, Case Studies, Class ActivitiesFor students: Quizzes, eFlashcards

Preschool teachers and early childhood professionals know that storybook reading is important, but they may not know how to maximize its benefits for later reading achievement. This indispensable guide presents research-based techniques for using reading aloud to intentionally and systematically build children's knowledge of print. Simple yet powerful strategies are provided for teaching preschoolers about book and print organization, print meaning, letters, and words, all while sharing engaging, commercially available books. Appendices include a detailed book list and 60 reproducibles that feature activities and prompts keyed to each text.