Margaret Vaughn, PhD, is Associate Professor of Language, Literacy, and Technology in the College of Education at Washington State University. Dr. Vaughn's research explores adaptive and equitable practices to support student agency and literacy learning, including ways literacy instruction can honor and support students' cultural backgrounds and linguistic strengths. Dr. Vaughn is coeditor of Principles of Effective Literacy Instruction, Grades K-5, and coauthor of Teaching with Children's Literature: Theory to Practice. Her work has appeared in many journals of educational research and practice. Dixie D. Massey, PhD, is Program Coordinator of the Reading Endorsement at the University of Washington, where she also teaches courses in the Department of Language, Literacy, and Culture. Dr. Massey is coauthor of several curriculum books and series. She has published her research in leading journals of literacy research and practice.
Perhaps no factor has a greater influence on children's literacy learning than exposure to engaging, authentic, culturally relevant texts. This concise practitioner resource and course text helps K-8 teachers make informed choices about using children's literature in their classrooms, from selecting high-quality texts to planning instruction and promoting independent reading. The authors present relevant theories (such as reader response and culturally responsive pedagogy) and show how to apply them in practice. Key topics include teaching narrative and expository texts, tapping into students' individual interests, and conducting text-based writing activities and discussions. Every chapter features case examples, reflection questions, and learning activities for teachers; appendices list exemplary children's literature.