The second principle is that instruction is multilevel, so average, below average, and above average students can all learn to read and write at the highest level possible.
However in Kindergarten Four Blocks wasn't developmentally appropriate. Some kindergartners could do the work but most could not because they hadn't had previous literacy experience, which means they didn't have background knowledge to profit from the work. Cunningham and Hall recognized kindergarten students" developmental differences and so they worked with Elaine Williams to develop a kindergarten model that was more appropriate. The book, The Teacher's Guide to Building Blocks states, " A developmentally appropriate kindergarten is like a good home, which children can learn through playing, cooking, watching, listening, acting, reading or pretend reading, and writing or pretend writing." Kindergarten students should be allowed to ask questions, answer them and explore their environment." Furthermore, The kindergartners should learn that reading is enjoyable and that it helps to gain information. .
In Building Blocks, the blocks don't have a set time like they do in Four Blocks. Building Blocks is a framework for kindergarten teachers to use, which is consistent with how they schedule their days. There are six critical understandings, which children develop. They are stated in The Teacher's Guide to Building Blocks. .
"1. Children learn that reading provides both enjoyment and information, and they develop a desire to learn to read and write.
2. Students also learn many new concepts and add words and meaning to their speaking vocabularies.
3. Children learn prints concepts, including how to read from left to right, how to read a page from top to bottom, etc. .
4. Children develop phonemic awareness, including the concept of rhyme.
5. Students learn to read and write some interesting-to-them words, such as, "Pizza Hut," "cat," and "bear.
