Increasing reading achievement is a universal goal of educators. This book fulfills the goal as it explains a balanced literacy program for kindergarten through third grades that incorporates research-based components, utilizing the best of the phonics and whole language approaches. Donat presents reading instruction strategies, scheduling/grouping options, assessments, evaluations, recommended materials/resources, and details sound and spelling patterns at each grade level. Written in a style that ensures quick, easy reading, this book will help educators design time schedules that are most effective for learning while allowing for creativity. Teachers will find an abundance of ideas for immediate implementation in their classrooms and school administrators will enjoy the guidance it gives in developing the quality literacy programs they desire for their schools. Also a great resource for use in early reading development courses at the university level.