Beyond Early Reading

Edited by David Waugh, Sally Neaum

Publication date:

17 September 2013

Publisher

Critical Publishing

Dimensions:

246x174mm
7x10"

ISBN-13: 9781909330412

This is an essential text for primary trainees and teachers. While the focus in early reading is on systematic synthetic phonics, it is important to see the bigger picture and understand that teaching reading is a continuum that involves more much than the mechanics of reading. The book focuses on a range of issues to develop children who can read into children who do read, including extending reading with proficient readers, engaging disengaged readers, sustaining interest in reading in the transition from primary to secondary, and the importance of oracy in reading. Additionally, there is an exploration of the wider context of reading including international perspectives, new literacies and the importance of reading to personal development. Case studies and activities demonstrate practical applications with clear links to the underpinning theory, while critical reflections challenge the reader and encourage deeper thought about the chapter content.

There is such a huge focus on the teaching of phonics at present, both from government and in the media, that it was very refreshing to read a text that goes beyond
phonics. It is so important that our students get a good understanding that phonics is only a very small part of learning to read, and this book offers it to them. I particularly liked how the text was based in research yet
remained accessible to undergraduate students. Case studies brought the research and recommendations alive.