Intentional From the Start

In Intentional from the start: Guiding emergent readers in small groups, Carolyn Helmers and Susan Vincent take a concentrated look at the often-underestimated reading and writing work that occurs during the emergent reading stages of literacy development (PreA–D) and the seemingly simplistic books we use to teach them in small-group guided reading. Though both may appear unsophisticated, these early readers and the texts we use to meet their needs are each unique and full of nuances that generally are overlooked. 

The authors explore how emergent readers learn best and position text levels appropriately in the service of students. They turn their attention to a comprehensive exploration of the particular needs of emergent readers and how the work they do at text levels PreA–D lays a critical foundation necessary for them to continue growing successfully into text levels E and beyond. As they examine the needs of learners working at each emergent text level individually, Helmers and Vincent:

• detail the specific demands the books in that text level require and how to best coach young readers working through them
• highlight instructional procedures for reading, writing and word study that can be put to use immediately at your small-group table
• suggest optimal schedules, techniques and formats for efficient instruction at that level
• unpack the book characteristics specific to that level and demonstrate ways to capitalise on them to intentionally support emergent readers and writers.