Focus on Beginning Readers:
IRA Programs and Resources

IRA offers a rich collection of resources to help you start young children along the path to literacy and a lifelong love of reading. Just follow the links below to find more information, or use advanced search and select “Early childhood” under the Learner heading to find even more resources on specific topics.

Recommended reading

Books and articles

Parent booklets and brochures

“Children’s Choices” and “Teachers’ Choices” booklists

Position statements

Literacy Development in the Preschool Years

Using Multiple Methods of Beginning Reading Instruction

Developmentally Appropriate Practices for Young Children

The Role of Phonics in Reading Instruction

Resolutions

On Beginning Reading Materials

Online resources

“Phonics Through Shared Reading,” a Class Acts podcast

“Improving Literacy Environments and Experiences for Children Birth to Five: Research and Resources,” a multimedia presentation by Nell K. Duke and Annie M. Moses

“Using Technology to Deliver Professional Development That Fosters Early Literacy Development,” a multimedia presentation by David K. Dickinson and Nancy Clark-Chiarelli

Lesson Plans for K–2

Literacy Links

News stories on beginning readers, from Reading Today Daily

Videos

Small-Group Reading Instruction: Video Training Series for Beginning Readers

Meetings and events

IRA’s annual convention always includes numerous sessions on early literacy. The following sessions appeared on the program for the 2007 convention.

Institute 10: “Powerful Pedagogies for Young Readers and Writers (and their Teachers) Focusing on Pre-K–3,” Billie Enz, Diane Barone et al., presenters

Symposium: “Effective, Comprehensive Pre-K and Kindergarten Programs: Strategies for Improving Student Success and Achievement,” John Pikulski et al., presenters

Session: “Differentiating Instruction When Organizing the Language Arts Block: Guided Reading, Morning Meeting, Center Time,” Lesley Mandel Morrow, presenter

Special Interest Group: “Large Scale Preschool Literacy Initiatives: What Have We Learned? What Do We Still Need to Find Out?” Kathleen Roskos et al., presenters

Session: “Culturally Responsive Literacy Strategies: Diverse Instructional Strategies for Differentiated Teaching and Learning,” David Hernandez, III et al., presenters

In February 2005, a joint IRA-NICHD conference on early literacy research was held in Washington, D.C. A summary of presentations and discussions from the meeting is available.

Other IRA meetings, including the biennial world congress and annual state/provincial and regional conferences, routinely include sessions on early literacy.

Community

Several groups of Association members have been organized to pursue a shared interest in early literacy. Individuals listed for each group can often provide information and suggest resources on the topic.

Early Literacy Committee

Special Interest Group: Literacy Development in Young Children

Special Interest Group: Phonics

In addition, early literacy is often a focus of discussion on the RTEACHER listserv, a supportive community whose members share experiences, exchange information, and carry on a lively dialogue on issues of literacy teaching and learning.

For more information about early literacy instruction, contact IRA’s Public Information Office.