With its careful balance between the theory and the practice, this book always gives readers the theories behind the methods, encouraging them to choose, adapt, and construct their own approaches as they create a balanced program of literacy instruction. Special emphasis has been given to adapting instruction for English language learners, struggling readers and writers and special needs students throughout the book. Unlike comparable texts, the new edition stresses effective steps for closing the gap between achieving and struggling readers as mandated by the No Child Left Behind legislation and Reading First. Reading Methods, Comprehension, Assessment, Emergent Literacy, Reading for student with special needs. Elementary Reading Methods.