This is an introductory guide to the theoretical and practical aspects of the development of reading skills. The book looks at the success or failure of various techniques and provides underpinning theory.

This book brings together information about the neurobiological, genetic, and behavioral bases of reading and reading disabilities. Research findings and interventiona approaches by leaders in the field are presented. The volume provides essential reading for a range of researchers, clinicians, and other professionals interested in reading and reading disability.

The first of two-volumes which aims to provide an international perspective on how children learn to read, featuring research and classroom experiences from around the world. This title is concerned with fostering an improved understanding of the nature of children's early reading development.

This is the first of a two-volume publication which provides an international perspective on how children learn to read. Research studies and classroom experiences from around the world are reported, highlighting implications for the design implementation and evaluation of classroom reading programmes. Contributions and evidence is drawn from over 18 countries and, despite the national differences, there are many common concerns and controversies. From these, three areas are identified: the first is developing an improved understanding of the nature of children's early reading development; the second is the consideration of the ways in which children's reading can be encouraged; and finally issues of assessment in the context of accountability are addressed. This volume deals with the first of these concerns.

This is the second of a two-volume publication which provides an international perspective on how children learn to read. Research studies and classroom experiences from around the world are reported, highlighting implications for the design implementation and evaluation of classroom reading programmes. Contributions are included from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Jamaica and Israel with evidence drawn from over 18 countries. Despite the contexted differences, there are many common concerns and controversies. From these, three areas are identified: the first is developing an improved understanding of the nature of children's early reading development; the second is the consideration of the ways in which children's reading can be encouraged. This volume addresses the issues of curriculum and assessment in the context of accountability.

This is the second of a two-volume publication which provides an international perspective on how children learn to read. Research studies and classroom experiences from around the world are reported, highlighting implications for the design implementation and evaluation of classroom reading programmes. Contributions are included from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Jamaica and Israel with evidence drawn from over 18 countries. Despite the contexted differences, there are many common concerns and controversies. From these, three areas are identified: the first is developing an improved understanding of the nature of children's early reading development; the second is the consideration of the ways in which children's reading can be encouraged. This volume addresses the issues of curriculum and assessment in the context of accountability.

This book provides a rich and nuanced examination of children learning to read and write a second language in primary schools in Kenya, taught by teachers who themselves have often learned English as a second or third language. The author uses two case studies, of an urban and a rural school, to explore how different socioeconomic and cultural contexts can affect the enactment of language policies and their effect on literacy. This book contributes a unique perspective to studies in language and literacy education due to its distinctive exploration of young children learning to read and write in the English language in Kenya, and it will be of particular interest to students and scholars of applied linguistics, language education, bilingualism and language policy.

The ability to read is the key to educational achievement, and poor literacy skills will limit a person's opportunities throughout life. The Committee's inquiry examines current practice in schools used to teach children to read, in order to consider which method works best based on available evidence. Recognition is given that the subject is a complex one and is also influenced by a range of factors outside a school's control. Issues discussed include the impact of the National Literacy Strategy (NLS); literacy teaching methods including the phonics method, which focuses on sound-letter correspondence; the need to promote reading for pleasure; research evidence findings; barriers to reading acquisition; learning difficulties and disabilities. Current statistics indicate that around 20 per cent of children aged 11 years still underachieve in reading and writing skills for their age level. The Committee's recommendations include the need for a review of the NLS prescribed methodology for the teaching of reading in primary schools, and that further large-scale comparative research should be commissioned by the DfES to determine which methods are most effective.