This module focuses on the development of literacy in middle childhood and the ways teachers can facilitate this development. We examine the theoretical and practical issues with an emphasis on developing academic competence. Literacy is explored as a cross-|disciplinary tool for thinking- learning and doing. Students learn how students acquire increasing control over the demands of language in ever-expanding social and academic contexts- how the practices of schooling can support multiple literacies- how to observe processes- and to use this data to inform instruction.