It is almost impossible to overstate the importance of the role played by family members, especially parents and grandparents, in children's early language and literacy learning. In the first six years of life, children are learning to listen, speak, read and write, in contexts that are increasingly mediated through technology. Learning in home and community contexts occurs through everyday interactions between children, and between children and adults. The aims of this book are to support families in their very important work through: providing an overview of literacy learning in the infant/toddler years, the preschool years, and the early school years identifying key milestones and indicators for concern at each level discussing the impact of technology on young children's learning; providing a framework that demonstrates how language and literacy learning can be integrated into everyday life without 'hot housing' or pressuring children, but rather through following and extending their interests and abilities. The focus is on informed observation and supportive engagement which follows individual children's interests, engages them in everyday activities, and extends their interest, understanding and confidence. Suggestions for communication between families and staff in early childhood settings are offered at each level.