What the Science of Reading Says: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood

Bring the science of reading to life in early childhood classrooms.

This comprehensive and practical resource empowers teachers to transform research into effective instruction, setting young learners on the path to literacy success.

Jodene L. Smith provides an overview of key components of literacy instruction—including phonological awareness, letter recognition, comprehension, content knowledge, and emergent writing—alongside proven strategies to strengthen these skills in the classroom.

With 36 powerful strategies, teachers will have everything needed to:

• Understand the "why" behind each strategy with clear background information.
• Focus lessons using well-defined instructional objectives.
• Implement with ease using step-by-step guidance designed for busy classrooms.
• Adapt teaching to meet the diverse needs of every learner.

Filled with real-world examples, reproducible teacher materials, and engaging student activity sheets, this book makes applying the science of reading both practical and enjoyable. It’s the perfect tool for helping early childhood educators create confident, skilled readers and writers who are ready for lifelong learning.

| Bring the science of reading directly into the classroom! Developed for Grades PK-K, this resource provides teachers with dynamic, research-based strategies to boost students’ reading and writing skills. |

Jody Smith, M.A., has worked for over 30 years in education, as both as classroom teacher and more recently as an instructional coach for kindergarten through second grade teachers. She supports teachers in understanding why and how to implement the science of reading in their literacy instruction. In addition, Jody develops curriculum and has authored a wide range of resources that translate educational research into practical classroom strategies, including What the Science of Reading Says: Literacy Strategies for Early Childhood.