This document provides an analysis of literate environments for emergent and beginning literacy learners. It discusses getting to know learners through assessments, selecting developmentally appropriate texts using a literacy matrix, and creating lessons for both emergent and beginning literacy learners. Sample lessons are described that incorporate small group work, leveled texts matched to learners, and use of fiction and nonfiction texts to address specific learner needs. The importance of assessments, student interests, and developing oral language and comprehension is emphasized.