The strategies for developing literacy skills have changed significantly since the original First Steps was released. The strong developmental framework of First Steps has been enhanced as a result of research that has occurred since the first edition was released. Additional areas and approaches have been included to support and challenge teachers who are implementing an outcomes based approach in their classroom.
What's new in the First Steps second edition?

There are significant changes to the new edition:

1. The Linking Assessment, Teaching and Learning Book (LATL) has been introduced to explain the beliefs that underpin the First Steps second edition and addresses aspects of assessment, teaching and learning that are generic and applicable to all strands in the series.


2. A new 'Viewing' strand has been included that to support teachers to enhance the visual literacy competencies of their students.


3. The sub-strands have changed to reflect how literacy is perceived and defined today. The new sub-strands are Use of Context, Contextual Understandings, Conventions and Processes and Strategies.


4. The Map of Development (formerly known as the Developmental Continua) has an updated set of indicators which makes it substantially more comprehensive to the previous edition.


5. The New Resource Books contain concise theory along with even more practical ideas for enhancing teaching and learning within a strand.


6. CD-ROMS have been added to each strand to supply practical teaching and assessment formats, recording sheets and parent support cards for classroom use.