In the UK, we often hear people making anti-phonics claims in the media. Usually, these demonstrate a fundamental lack of understanding of Synthetic Phonics. Mike Lloyd-Jones, in his book Phonics and the Resistance to Reading, lists these incorrect assertions and challenges them. Based on his book, here is how we can answer their claims: “The […]
Read MoreLearning to Read
Review of Mike Lloyd-Jone’s book ‘Phonics and the Resistance to Reading’
Here is a review on the Literacy blog by John Walker. This book is a must read book for anyone who believes in literacy for all. http://literacyblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Read MoreWhat is wrong with ‘look and say’?
Here is an excerpt from Mike Lloyd’s book ‘Phonics and the Resistance to Reading’ (page 42): “Recognising whole words by memorising the appearance of the word (sometimes known as the ‘look-and-say’ approach) is highly problematic. The capacity to remember words as whole-patterns is highly limited and in any case highly inefficient. As Professor Martin Kozloff […]
Read MoreGet a free set of Magic Belt books for struggling readers
To get a free set of the Magic Belt reading series join the Top Notch Teaching competition: Reading Book Giveaway
Read MoreWhy does Direct Instruction evoke such rancour?
To understand why many educators instinctively oppose direct instruction – read here http://www.nifdi.org/research/recent-research/hempenstall-blog/389-why-does-direct-instruction-evoke-such-rancour
Read MoreReconciling Common Core State Standards and Reading Research
This is an interesting document from the USA, written by Louisa Moats Ed. D about putting research at the core of raising standards of literacy. http://www.pps.k12.or.us/files/special-education/MoatsReconciling_the_CCSS_with_Reading_Research_OR.pdf
Read MoreAre eBooks getting in the way of reading?
This is an important post for teachers, parents and publishers involved in getting children to read: Do eBooks have too much going on the page that distracts from the print? Does the ‘read to me’ option develop ‘look and say’ method of reading instead of decoding? Thanks to Annie Murphy Paul for flagging this up.
Read MoreHow to re-engage your pupils in reading – part 2
Melanie Creach of Top Notch Teaching reviews the Phonic Books range of decodable books for older, struggling and reluctant readers. How To End The Reading Book Struggle (And Engage Your Students In Reading Again) Part Two
Read MoreHow to Teach Children to Read by Top Notch Teaching
Melanie Creach of Top Notch Teaching explains ‘How to Teach Children to Read’: How To Teach Children To Read
Read More10 Myths about Reading Instruction – actually 7/10 myth busters true
Read this article on the’Ten Myths about Reading Intruction’ by Sebastian Wren, PhD. It was written some time ago. Since then, phonic programmes have come a long way. So I don’t believe Myth 3- that phonic programmes are not the answer to teaching read is true any longer. good programmes and good training are absolutely the answer to […]
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