Straight Talk About Reading

by Susan L. Hall, Louisa Cook Moats

Today's parents are increasingly concerned about the reading and spelling skills taught in schools and are taking charge of their children's education. Full of ideas and suggestions----from innovative preschool exercises to techniques that older children can use to increase reading speed and comprehension----Straight Talk About Reading will instantly help any parent lay a solid foundation for their child's formative educational years.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Education

362 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1998

Reviews

[Summer Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is clearly dated. It was written at the height of the 90s confusion of hooked on phonics and the American concern of falling reading scores. It was very interesting to read this now and see how things have changed since. The first half of the book is all about the debate between phonics and whole word approach. The middle gives a very informative, although brief, look at reading studies and research. The last half is how to teach reading, the why to that approach, and what to do if you have a struggling reader.

I enjoyed this for the most part. I did feel angry that this lays the groundwork for mandatory testing. I wish I could have retroactively gone back and shaken Moats. Testing is destroying our schools currently and her brazen argument for more tests was very upsetting. I also felt annoyed at her obnoxious way of undermining parents ability to teach their own children. It was very strange because she was very willing to criticize schools in how they teach reading, and encourages parents to advocate for their children, but parents are DEFINITELY not qualified to teach. Ugh.

Mixed feelings. I'm going to try to see if I can find something more current.

[MAK · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book years ago when my child was struggling to learn how to read. Very helpful and informative.

[Kendra]

I assume that my kids should be reading or on the verge by the time they go to school. This book describes how one learns reading and writing, and the process is fascinating. It's an excellent book for anyone involved with a preschooler or early reader, and also for anyone just interested in knowing more about the process.
I disagree that this is a book only for educators or people with children who have reading problems.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a strictly informational read. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone. You should only read this if you have children with reading problems, work with children with reading problems, or if you are in the educational field teaching young children. If you are in those fields, this is a very helpful book!

[Eliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit heavier and more research based than I was expecting, hence the 4. But I have been wanting to learn more about early education, especially reading, and this was perfect. I actually learned a ton and we are going to do a few activities from the book tomorrow. Lots to think about.