In the quest for engaging, effective literacy instruction, the author argues that elementary reading instruction should balance systematic skills instruction with rich children's literacy experiences and opportunities to learn how to read and write. He posits that engaging and effective primary grades classrooms are very positive places where student enthusiasm is a direct result of teacher motivation. The most complete reading programs that include the components emphasized in Reading First should include excellent children's literature, promote children's writing, and do what teachers can to motivate literacy engagement. (Contains 4 notes.)