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Reading Doesn't Matter Anymore...: A New Way to Look at Reading
In this timely, wise, and often witty book, eminent educator and author David Booth argues that teachers must redefine reading as an activity that embraces the needs and interests of students. Reading isn't just about Dick and Jane or great literature any more: it's about the Internet, comic books, technical manuals, graphic novels, iPods, and much more.
Booth outlines twelve simple steps to help teachers and parents alike revolutionize the way they view – and encourage – children's reading in all kinds of genres and formats. He argues forcefully that we must:
redefine what reading means;
include comics, magazines, manuals, along with novels in our reading programs;
understand that technology is part of the new literacy;
remember that story is the heart of literacy;
help students build strong reading muscles;
value the reading responses of young people;
view writing as literacy;
recognize the different ages and stages of individuals;
explore how words work;
turn printed texts into active learning;
focus on literacy in every subject;
welcome youngsters into the culture of literacy.
In some very personal reflections, the author reveals the decisive moments in his life that have shaped his approach to reading and learning. Lively anecdotes throughout the book create a highly readable narrative that makes a compelling case for recognizing the unique value of reading…almost anything.
The book concludes with over one-hundred literacy events that celebrate reading not just in school, but the world beyond.
Booth outlines twelve simple steps to help teachers and parents alike revolutionize the way they view – and encourage – children's reading in all kinds of genres and formats. He argues forcefully that we must:
redefine what reading means;
include comics, magazines, manuals, along with novels in our reading programs;
understand that technology is part of the new literacy;
remember that story is the heart of literacy;
help students build strong reading muscles;
value the reading responses of young people;
view writing as literacy;
recognize the different ages and stages of individuals;
explore how words work;
turn printed texts into active learning;
focus on literacy in every subject;
welcome youngsters into the culture of literacy.
In some very personal reflections, the author reveals the decisive moments in his life that have shaped his approach to reading and learning. Lively anecdotes throughout the book create a highly readable narrative that makes a compelling case for recognizing the unique value of reading…almost anything.
The book concludes with over one-hundred literacy events that celebrate reading not just in school, but the world beyond.
160 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
1 person is currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
David Booth
52 books7 followersDavid Wallace Booth is a professor of education who specializes in the teaching of literacy and the use of innovative ways to promote literacy among children.
He is the author of many books for teachers and parents, texts for classroom use, and award winning children's picture books.
He is the author of many books for teachers and parents, texts for classroom use, and award winning children's picture books.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
June 21, 2010
Recommended by Katie Clark—Cherylann had shared early in the year.
Confirms the choices Katie and I have made for our 2010-2011 Literacy Year, based on influences from Dr. Richard Allington. As with many "texts," repeated info to reinforce ideas.
p. 8 How do you learn to read…watching other readers! We see people read, we hear people read, we sit beside and listen to people read. We wonder about what we hear…we question. CONNECTION.
p. 10 Many people are limited to “functional literacy”—able to read simple forms of text—read what they need to read in order to get by. This will hopefully include reading a job application, completing a tax form, following written directions, newspapers, traffic signs, dictionary, travel schedules (bus, train, plane). (My male population)
p. 67 Storytelling is key….”emotional intensity of an experience will influence the way memory is affected by storytelling…The tale we choose to tell can determine who listens and why…Everything matters: the tale, the teller, the telling and the told.” (I am going to do more reading aloud to my classes.)
p. 70 SYNERGY…”I am here to be with you, so that together we can do more that you can do by yourself.” I share what matters to me—to see if it matters to you. (This is so instrumental in all otehr areas of my life--i'm oging to focus on this in my teaching.)
p. 95 NEIGOIATE CURRICULUM WITH YOUR READERS…creates a sense of ownership on behalf of the student. You become partners in learning. (This is what w are doing!!!)
p. 129 Side note: “When my Aunt Marnie wrote letters to me, I never checked her spelling. I read every word, sensed the love and caring behind it, and saved he letters. I know when spelling counts.”
p. 140 Students “interviewing” others is a great way to encourage research!
p. 145 Debates – debating a shared text or oral reading on a personal level.
p. 159 Remind students that authors were children once, too!
All seems simple--but the reminders are great!
Confirms the choices Katie and I have made for our 2010-2011 Literacy Year, based on influences from Dr. Richard Allington. As with many "texts," repeated info to reinforce ideas.
p. 8 How do you learn to read…watching other readers! We see people read, we hear people read, we sit beside and listen to people read. We wonder about what we hear…we question. CONNECTION.
p. 10 Many people are limited to “functional literacy”—able to read simple forms of text—read what they need to read in order to get by. This will hopefully include reading a job application, completing a tax form, following written directions, newspapers, traffic signs, dictionary, travel schedules (bus, train, plane). (My male population)
p. 67 Storytelling is key….”emotional intensity of an experience will influence the way memory is affected by storytelling…The tale we choose to tell can determine who listens and why…Everything matters: the tale, the teller, the telling and the told.” (I am going to do more reading aloud to my classes.)
p. 70 SYNERGY…”I am here to be with you, so that together we can do more that you can do by yourself.” I share what matters to me—to see if it matters to you. (This is so instrumental in all otehr areas of my life--i'm oging to focus on this in my teaching.)
p. 95 NEIGOIATE CURRICULUM WITH YOUR READERS…creates a sense of ownership on behalf of the student. You become partners in learning. (This is what w are doing!!!)
p. 129 Side note: “When my Aunt Marnie wrote letters to me, I never checked her spelling. I read every word, sensed the love and caring behind it, and saved he letters. I know when spelling counts.”
p. 140 Students “interviewing” others is a great way to encourage research!
p. 145 Debates – debating a shared text or oral reading on a personal level.
p. 159 Remind students that authors were children once, too!
All seems simple--but the reminders are great!
January 22, 2011
This book and author corroborated a lot of my educational/reading beliefs. It gave me some new information and new perspectives. The author also made me realize that all of that analyzing in English does mean something and is good but there are many, many different ways to get something out of a story, whether it be print, film, talking to an adult, or talking to a child. I will now think of literacy events and try to use that phrase so students will understand what being literate really means, and being literate does not mean reading novels only. There are many different and valued ways to be literate. The last 3 pages listed 101 Literacy Events. I have/do some of them and would like to see more incorporated around my school.
I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, and community members in general since we ALL are involved with our childrens' lives. I would love to hear David Booth speak.
I highly recommend this book to parents, educators, and community members in general since we ALL are involved with our childrens' lives. I would love to hear David Booth speak.
October 9, 2007
good reminder that there are many literacies that kids need to succeed in society
July 23, 2008
non-fiction,Professional/education,literacy,reading
July 25, 2008
Ugh! I agree with what he writes about, but I thought it was mostly a rant without much practical information.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews