`This is a handsome Second Edition of a book that has remained an invaluable and comprehensive guide for practising and trainee teachers since its publication in 1996.... I hope that all practitioners who love children, language and literature will add this book to their collections of well-used professional books' - Nursery World

`This is a practical book and it will be very useful for teachers and Early Years practitioners seeking to review and update their practices in literacy teaching and learning. It will be especially useful to practitioners in England and Wales who have to implement The National Literacy Strategy and the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage' - Penny Munn, International Journal of Early Years Education

Developing Language and Literacy 3 - 8: Second Edition is a comprehensive and practical introduction to teaching and learning English in the early years. The new edition has been fully updated to take account of the new requirements for teaching English in the early years including, the Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, English in The National Curriculum and The National Literacy Strategy. It covers all aspects of language and literacy and draws on current thinking, research and classroom expertise in order to describe practice that is rooted in research. The book includes chapters on:

- Speaking and Listening

- Reading

- Resources for Language and Literacy

- Writing

- Spelling, Handwriting and Punctuation

- Bilingual Learners

- Language, Literacy and Gender

- Children with Difficulties

- Involving Parents and Carers

-Assessment

- Planning

Further reading and sources of information, including Websites, are given so that readers can explore aspects of English in more depth. It also includes a section on the role of the English post- holder. The book covers the English elements of the Curriculum for Initial Teacher Training, particularly those relating to pedagogical knowledge and teaching and assessment methods, and so should be of particular use and interest to trainee teachers following 3 - 8, 5 - 8 or 5 -11 courses.