The Teaching of Reading: The Development of Literacy in the Early Years of School Book

The teaching of literacy remains controversial, subjected to political pressure and parental demands. There is educational concern about the standard of literacy and how it is taught. Strong research evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of methods which can be used in primary schools to support the teaching of reading. In this book, the author draws on the research literature to set out a practical and effective programme for teaching reading. The understanding of theory, and the way it supports effective teaching, is crucial if the methods used in schools are to improve.The Teaching of Reading combines theoretical and practical aspects of literacy, and is intended to be informative and practical in its classroom application. The author shows that informed practice can only develop from a genuine understanding of the literacy process, and the book charts the way in which the young child progresses from the first glimmerings of the purpose and recognition of print, through to a state of fully developed fluent reading. This book is broadly based on a research project undertaken by the author as part of her work as Course Leader of the Primary PGCE at the Institute of Education, University of London. The research project arose from the author's interest in the teaching of reading, rooted in her experience of infant teaching and experience as a member of an LEA primary advisory service.Read More