This unit focuses on children's language and literacy learning in the junior primary years of school. The unit explores the complex nature of reading and writing and presents the latest research findings on effective early years’ literacy teaching.  An understanding of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of literacy learners, and the need to determine prior experience and knowledge, is highlighted. Literacy learning theory is closely aligned with effective teaching strategies, practices and organisational approaches. An early years planning cycle of assessment, planning, teaching and review is used to assist pre-service teachers in understanding the various aspects of teaching literacy in the junior primary years.