Literacy is most basically defined as the ability to read and write. More broadly- it is the process of using written and spoken symbols to communicate ideas and interact. We focus on the development of literacy (reading- writing- listening and speaking) in children and ways|that teachers can facilitate this with different approaches and resources. We explore theoretical- scientific- and practical issues in literacy with an emphasis on the connections between oral language and literacy- multilingual learners- students with disabilities- working with families.