Striking a Balance: Positive Practices for Early Literacy is written to help prepare pre-service and practicing teachers to meet the challenge of today's diverse student population and create a comprehensive program that places direct skills instruction within the context of rich and varied reading and writing experiences. Readable, thorough, and contemporary, this concise text addresses the core topics and issues of literacy acquisition clearly and succinctly. Grounded in theory and research, Striking a Balance also shows readers how theory informs practice through its corresponding focus on classroom application.