Choice 评论

Internationally known New Zealand developmental psychologist Marie Clay's collection of readings about children's literacy and the early years of schooling is a treasure. A combination of some of Dr. Clay's seminal papers as well as some previously unpublished articles, this text itself is developmental, moving the reader from a discussion of the importance of true classroom conversation to suggestions for the use of print forms with children in the early grades. Interspersed throughout are authentic vignettes of students approaching the featured learning task. Each chapter provides end references, some quite extensive, which cite the works of theorists including Cazden, Bruner, Vygotsky, and Goodman. Clay's gentle touch is evident throughout the book as she cautions against hurrying learning outcomes. This highly readable book would be useful to early childhood undergraduates as well as to graduate students. A. K. Wilson Buena Vista University