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The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading
The essential guide to the science behind reading and its practical implications for classroom teaching in primary schools.
Teaching children to read is one of the most important tasks in primary education and classroom practice needs to be underpinned by a secure foundation of knowledge. Teachers need to know what reading entails, how children learn to read and how it can be taught effectively.
This book is an essential guide for primary teachers that explores the key technical and practical aspects of how children read with strong links to theory and how to translate this into the classroom. Bite-size chapters offer accessible research-informed ideas across all major key topics including phonics, comprehension, teaching children with reading difficulties and strategies for the classroom. Key features include:
- Discussions of implications for the classroom
- Questions for further professional discussions
- Retrieval quizzes
- Further reading suggestions
- Glossary of key terms
Christopher Such is a primary school teacher and the author of the education blog Primary Colour. He can be found on Twitter via @Suchmo83.
Teaching children to read is one of the most important tasks in primary education and classroom practice needs to be underpinned by a secure foundation of knowledge. Teachers need to know what reading entails, how children learn to read and how it can be taught effectively.
This book is an essential guide for primary teachers that explores the key technical and practical aspects of how children read with strong links to theory and how to translate this into the classroom. Bite-size chapters offer accessible research-informed ideas across all major key topics including phonics, comprehension, teaching children with reading difficulties and strategies for the classroom. Key features include:
- Discussions of implications for the classroom
- Questions for further professional discussions
- Retrieval quizzes
- Further reading suggestions
- Glossary of key terms
Christopher Such is a primary school teacher and the author of the education blog Primary Colour. He can be found on Twitter via @Suchmo83.
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Published July 7, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
January 14, 2023
So many practical and we'll researched ideas! My head is spinning! A definite must for any primary teacher looking to improve their teaching of reading. This book also helped to make me feel more confident that I was doing the right thing for the children in my class even if I still had room for improvement!
June 27, 2022
4.5/5 A comprehensive and interesting look at how each element of reading instruction is inextricably linked. With highly accessible references to research alongside practical suggestions for teachers to apply to their work in the classroom, this book is a must read for primary educators!
September 27, 2021
Every elementary teacher should read this book. If you’ve been wanting to improve your reading instruction but didn’t know where to start, this book is for you. Already had an introduction the science of reading? This book provides a host of resources to consult and expand your current knowledge.
July 30, 2024
Note: this review is not about this book, but rather about the podcast
Sold a Story. As unfortunately I can’t add podcasts to Goodreads and I liked this podcast so much I want to tell others about it, this is one way I can do that.
It’s shocking to learn that 65% percent of fourth graders in the United States are not proficient readers. The podcast Sold a Story shares how many students are not taught how to sound out words, instead learning a cueing strategy that goes against scientific research on how people learn to read. Host Emily Hanford tells engaging stories about the battles over reading instruction, interviewing parents who became alarmed about their children’s inability to read when supporting lessons during the pandemic and adults who struggled in school and then learned to read later in life. Handford also explores powerful figures in education and publishing who promoted flawed ideas. This podcast shows the power of journalism, as at least 15 states have passed laws about reading curriculum since the series was released. Thank you Steven for finding this podcast and listening to and discussing it with me! I strongly encourage anyone interested in learning about reading instruction to check it out.
Sold a Story. As unfortunately I can’t add podcasts to Goodreads and I liked this podcast so much I want to tell others about it, this is one way I can do that.
It’s shocking to learn that 65% percent of fourth graders in the United States are not proficient readers. The podcast Sold a Story shares how many students are not taught how to sound out words, instead learning a cueing strategy that goes against scientific research on how people learn to read. Host Emily Hanford tells engaging stories about the battles over reading instruction, interviewing parents who became alarmed about their children’s inability to read when supporting lessons during the pandemic and adults who struggled in school and then learned to read later in life. Handford also explores powerful figures in education and publishing who promoted flawed ideas. This podcast shows the power of journalism, as at least 15 states have passed laws about reading curriculum since the series was released. Thank you Steven for finding this podcast and listening to and discussing it with me! I strongly encourage anyone interested in learning about reading instruction to check it out.
March 12, 2022
An excellent book which explains the process from early phonics through to expert reader. There is plenty here for experienced and inexperienced teachers alike and it’s definitely not just for primary teachers. As a primary trained teacher working in secondary, there are many ideas here for me to think through and incorporate with it struggling KS3 readers. Definitely recommended.
March 30, 2022
A great resource, well written, on what to focus on and how to teach reading to your primary readers. I read this alone, for fun, and for that reason it was only okay. I think if I were to read this in a PLC (which I recommend) my rating would be higher. I hope to do so one day and update my rating.
August 17, 2022
If I could shout about this book from the rooftops, I would! It is clear, concise and very readable, whilst giving a comprehensive overview of all aspects of reading instruction. The end of chapter notes/reading lists are brilliant- very useful. It would be an ideal starting point for anyone who would like to delve into research on reading.
I loved it!
I loved it!
February 15, 2022
A useful summary of current research and description of one teacher's preferred practice in terms of teaching Reading in Primary Schools. A few gems I'll take on board and yet more confirmation of the link between fluency and comprehension.
July 10, 2023
Wow! This will be a great resource to keep handy as the Science of Reading is embedded more within my classroom. LETRS was the beginning of this journey, and I’m excited to find more resources such as this one to help apply the skills within the classroom.
August 10, 2023
4.5 stars - A great overview of structured literacy with practical classroom teaching strategies included. I really enjoyed reading and discussing this book with a cohort of teachers this summer as a book club pick!
August 4, 2021
A must read for primary teachers.
October 11, 2021
An absolute must read for all involved in Primary English. A springboard into the wider research on the subject. Bravo.
January 18, 2023
While I wouldn't class this book as light reading, it is packed with insight and great recommendations!
February 13, 2023
Fine. Nothing new here.
April 16, 2024
Lots of theory, but some very useful teaching strategies to apply to the classroom. A really good framework for how to teach Reading well.
July 29, 2024
An excellent, comprehensive guide to teaching reading with the best research in structured literacy.
June 27, 2024
Great book on the science of reading that makes research findings accessible and practical.
August 11, 2024
This was okay. Nothing crazy. I give it 2 ⭐️'s. As a reading specialist, I already knew a lot of the information shared here. That being said, I did learn some new techniques and ideas that I may/may not remember to put into practice. Essentially, The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading teaches us that phonics instruction is vital in any reading program, as well as the teaching of fluency and comprehension. 👩🏫
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#bookreview #bookworm #bookish #professsionaldevelopment #foreverlearning #bookcommunity #bookstagram
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews