This book explores how teachers can provide a foundation for children's development in oral language, reading, and writing by providing opportunities for children to listen and talk every day, creating environments rich with books and other printed materials, and engaging children in meaningful experiences they are eager to talk and write about.

This book focuses on the 10 key developmental indicators (KDIs) in Language, Literacy, and Communication:
21. Comprehension
22. Speaking
23. Vocabulary
24. Phonological awareness
25. Alphabetic knowledge
26. Reading
27. Concepts about print
28. Book knowledge
29. Writing
30. English language learning