Language & literacy development in early childhood / Robyn Ewing, Jon Callow & Kathleen Rushton.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Introduction: The importance of language in our lives -- 2. Learning how to mean: dimensions of early language development -- 3. Playing with language: imaginative play, language development and technology -- 4. Talking to learn: listening to young children's language -- 5. Difference and diversity in language and literacy development -- 6. Aboriginal perspectives in the early childhood literacy classroom -- 7. Reading with children: quality literature and language development -- 8. Supporting the emergent reader -- 9. Storying and the emergent storyteller and writer -- 10. Making meaning with image and text in picture books -- 11. Digital literacies in the lives of young children -- 12. Language and literacy assessment in early childhood contexts and classrooms -- Index.

"This book provides pre-service and practising teachers with an integrated approach to language and literacy learning in early childhood. Written by leading academics in the field, it explores how children learn to talk, play using language, become literate and make meaning - from birth through to the pre-school years. Emphasising the importance of imagination and the arts in language learning, this book addresses a wide range of contemporary issues, highlights the impact of diverse socioeconomic, language and cultural backgrounds on young children's language and literacy development, and shows how early childhood teachers can effectively partner with parents and caregivers to help children learn through and about language. Case studies, interviews, reflective questions, clear links to the Early Years Learning Framework and the Australian Curriculum, and a rich array of practical and creative activities for use in early childhood environments help students connect theory and current research to practice."--Publisher's website.