Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education, Third Edition, helps students to understand the nature of oral language, reading and writing, providing the essential knowledge needed to guide the language development and learning needs of young children. The book ensures that students have the theoretical framework before they enter the classroom balanced with the practical knowledge required to tackle the subject with confidence. In this edition, the chapter on Children's Literature has been rewritten and moved to the start of the book to reflect its significance to children's literacy education. This chapter is full of examples of literature that teachers can explore with children. Good quality children's literature is recommended throughout the book, and discussed in a practical way that will be helpful to classroom practice. With new references to international research, Language, Literacy and Early Childhood Education examines practical strategies and activities for different early childhood learning contexts and maintains an accessible approach by using illustrations, charts and tables to consolidate understanding of content.