This engaging book provides an overview of language arts instruction, the background information teachers need, and countless strategies to ensure effective instruction. Grounded in practicality, Karen supports teachers with setting up the classroom for literacy instruction and planning the year, and provides many specifics for effective reading and writing instruction. Topics include orthographic mapping, the teaching of morphology, the Three Tiers of Vocabulary, and the importance of writing to learn. Karen also provides many ways to leverage oral language across the curriculum. At the heart of the book is Karen's passion for literacy and desire to empower teachers.