So Much More than the ABCs

“So Much More Than the ABCs is a must-read for parents and teachers of preschoolers. This outstanding book is based on research and the authors’ lifetime experiences devoted to the study of early literacy.”

—Lesley Mandel Morrow, Professor of Literacy, Rutgers University

“Drs. Schickedanz and Collins’ text offers explicit guidance for teaching children not only decoding skills but also interesting strategies for teaching children how to interact with both narrative and expository text. A special feature is the chapter about reading with infants and toddlers, which is critically important for both parents and caregivers.”

—Billie J. Enz, Emeritus Professor, Arizona State University

"So Much More than the ABCs: The Early Phases of Reading and Writing is a bedrock foundational guide for anyone involved in the literacy development of young children . . . . Chapters focus on what children need to learn in the early stages of life. . ., strategies that teachers can use to communicate basic literacy, the aspects and features of understanding language, and how to design a classroom environment to promote language development and literacy. Color photographs enhance this sensible and accessible guide."

—The Education Shelf, The Midwest Book Review

“This is a masterful must-read for anyone interested in the literacy development of young children. Research on language, reading, writing, and motivation is woven seamlessly together with precise instructional guidance. For teachers, this book offers a treasure trove of practical advice; for parents, literacy coaches, and university faculty, it provides a broad, accurate view of early literacy development and pedagogy.”

—David K. Dickinson, Professor, Vanderbilt University

“In their new edition, Schickedanz and Collins have continued the heart of their argument from the first edition of More than the ABCs: the foundations of literacy laid down during the early years involve considerably more than merely learning the alphabet and acquiring the alphabetic principle.”

—Lea M. McGee, Marie Clay Chair of Reading Recovery and Early Literacy, The Ohio State University