• Message Time Plus®, CLI's modeled writing and shared reading program, to help develop phonics and understand print conventions
• Consistent, sequential instruction to build vocabulary and comprehension: words and ideas are introduced and reinforced throughout the day in read alouds, centers, and Message Time Plus®
• Intentional and ongoing phonemic awareness and phonics instruction based on rhymes, rhyming games, and word family and word study activities
• Center/small group learning applications that stress letter and phonemic awareness, math concepts and counting, the independent use of concepts being studied, and development of independent learning skills

Blueprint for Early Literacy is based on National Reading Panel and Early Reading First recommendations, and is designed to meet state and national standards for reading, writing, and oral language development. These skills are taught in the context of 10 related, sequential themes. At the heart of each theme are award-winning children's books, carefully chosen to introduce children to the delight of reading.

Lesson plans help teachers make each book a launching pad for teaching vocabulary, building comprehension, and developing phonemic awareness, phonics, and oral language skills. Blueprint themes - along with Blueprint author studies, center applications, and skill cards - build children's content knowledge and develop literacy skills through engaging, rich, and meaningful learning.