"The book’s strength lies in the ability of the contributors to draw conclusions in relation to the reading debate and constructively justify moving away from the reliance on a single phonics approach based on evidence from empirical research. ...The book offers a timely warning against reading becoming synonymous withsynthetic phonics instruction, of children becoming mere ‘functional decoders of print’ (p. 53). The argument turns to the very real need for children to develop andunderstand the ‘joy, relevance and use for reading’ (p. 79); indeed in the current climate of synthetic phonics instruction children are in danger of losing the ability orthe will to look at a book for pleasure." Early Years Debates about the teaching of reading and particularly which phonics method teachers should use have been simmering for many years. This groundbreaking book offers critical perspectives on the teaching of reading and phonics, openly challenging contemporary policy in both England and the US. As well as providing refreshing insights into how children encounter texts in the increasingly complex world of literacy, the book celebrates the complexity, pleasure and passion that are the foundations of becoming a successful reader. Each chapter explores in-depth the processes involved as children engage in reading, from their interactions with texts in the very earliest stages through to the primary phase. Drawing on both research and theory, the book also shows how some contemporary understandings of reading are based on over simplistic and rationalised ideas about the reading process. A unique feature of this book is that it combines academic perspectives with the insights of parents and practitioners. The participation of those most closely involved with children complements the lively debate and contributions from researchers, providing a rich and inclusive range of ideas. Understanding Phonics and the Teaching of Reading is a stimulating read for educational studies students, students of teaching and learning, policy makers, educational researchers and teachers.

This groundbreaking book offers critical perspectives on the teaching of reading and phonics, openly challenging contemporary policy in both England and the US.

Learning to read is an exciting and vital part of every child’s development. The new edition of this book continues to provide trainees and teachers with a broad understanding of teaching reading and phonics, and equip them with the skills necessary to face the reality of the early years classroom in order to meet the needs of individual children. With vital information on constructing relationships with young readers, and how to plan phonics within a rich, interactive and playful literacy pedagogy, the second edition now includes: A brand new chapter on babies and early reading More information on language acquisition and how children learn A discussion of children with SEN An appreciation for the rise of digital technologies in relation to reading Whether you′re training to become a teacher, or already working in the classroom this book is ideal for those who wish to embed the teaching of phonics into carefully selected high quality materials - particularly in children′s literature.

This book supports teachers using phonics in their teaching of early reading. The authors show how important it is to ensure that children acquire a wide range of reading strategies, while also setting out practical 'pointers' which will enable teachers to translate the theory into effective practice. Readers will learn: - How to plan phonics within a rich, interactive and playful literacy pedagogy - How to construct relationships with the young readers in their classes and the texts around them - How to embed the teaching of phonics in carefully selected high quality materials - particularly in children's literature. Written for practicing teachers, student teachers on initial teacher training courses at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the book will also be useful for advisors working on continuing professional development. Dr Kathy Goouch and Dr Andrew Lambirth are based at Canterbury Christ Church University in the field of early and primary education and literacy.

Phonics: Practice, Research and Policy unravels the controversy surrounding phonics which currently characterises much of the discussion about reading standards and teaching reading. Bringing some much-needed balance to the debate - the book offers genuinely focused advice on how to make sense of the various theories and on their applications in practice, helping teachers to find the right practical solutions to suit the children in their settings. The book includes chapters on: - How children learn to read and how phonics helps - The role of early phonics teaching - Classroom approaches to phonics teaching - Involving parents and carers - Speaking and phonological awareness - Spelling links - Staff development - Responses to the Rose Review on Early Reading. It will be essential reading for student teachers on initial training courses, and for more experienced staff in a range of school settings.

Children flourish in their development and learning when practitioners and parents work together. Childrens′ development and learning are further enhanced when interconnected knowledge and understanding work together. In this new edition the authors guide readers in understanding of child development. They highlight the need for those who work with young children to become reflective practitioners. Through a focus on the introduction of nursery rhymes, finger rhymes, action songs and poetry cards, the authors provide a gentle, child-friendly way to develop literacy 0-7. Thoroughly revised and updated, this book includes: - Case studies and examples - Discussion of the primary framework - Inclusion of schools as an educational setting - Age-appropriate activities - Further reading suggestions at the end of each chapter This book is useful for teachers, practitioners, teaching assistants and childminders and for anyone working with children from birth to seven years in nursery and primary schools, children′s centres, foundation units, and at home. Tina Bruce is an Honorary visiting professor in Early Childhood at Roehampton University. Jenny Spratt is Head of EYFS and Children′s Centre Services for Peterborough Local Authority

The Science of Reading: A Handbook brings together state-of-the-art reviews of reading research from leading names in the field, to create a highly authoritative, multidisciplinary overview of contemporary knowledge about reading and related skills. Provides comprehensive coverage of the subject, including theoretical approaches, reading processes, stage models of reading, cross-linguistic studies of reading, reading difficulties, the biology of reading, and reading instruction Divided into seven sections:Word Recognition Processes in Reading; Learning to Read and Spell; Reading Comprehension; Reading in Different Languages; Disorders of Reading and Spelling; Biological Bases of Reading; Teaching Reading Edited by well-respected senior figures in the field