Product Description
Manufacturer: TEACHER CREATED RESOURCESGrade: Kindergarten - 8thA practical guide for bringing children or adults with no reading skills up to 5th grade reading ability. Dr. Fry is Professor of Education Emeritus at Rutgers University and is well known for his Instant Words and the Fry Readability Graph. He is a frequent speaker at reading conferences. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Simple, Sweet and to the point!
Simple, sweet and to the point is my description of Dr Fry's How to Teach Reading. It is a great introduction for teaching reading or a review for those already doing it. It is based upon practical experience and breaks the process of teaching reading into simple steps. This is not a book full of theory, nor is itmerely a book full of lesson plans. It has just enough structure to help you assess your student(s) and plan activities based on your own needs. If you are a strong phonics advocate you might want to purchase a more detailed resource for teaching phonics, but this book will still have lots of goodies for you. A well balanced approach to reading.

Good for finding the student's reading ability
Because this book helps one determine the student's reading ability and age level, it is especially useful.It also helps one select the right materials for that student.A perfect compliment to the book, "You Can Teach Someone to Read."

How to Teach Reading
Finally!A book that actually gives me hands on tools on how to teach my child to read.Not only were the tools beneficial, but I found the book to be well written and easy to understand.I am going to recommend this bookto all my friends with school age children, who are just learning to read. ... Read more

Book Description

Food may be the fuel for our bodies, but readingand the ideas, emotions, and insights we encounter in the processis the fuel for our hearts, souls, and minds. Fittingly, you will find this book to be a delectable treat for your teacherly soul!
- P. David Pearson
University of California, Berkeley

Reading is not an end in itself. As Lorraine Wilson reminds us: "We read to do something else...to follow directions, to make something, to relax, to learn about community events...reading is social practice." We read to live, according to our individual interests and needs. So it makes no sense to separate the teaching of reading from the lives of children. Unfortunately, in many state-mandated curricula, that relationship has been lost.

In Reading to Live, Lorraine Wilson makes a strong case for preserving integrated, holistic reading programs, debunking the belief in one-size-fits-all instruction and taking us inside classrooms to demonstrate progressive, meaning-centered teaching. She offers easy-to-use strategies that build upon the life experiences and language that children bring with them to school. Most important, she expands upon the reading practices of Luke and Freebody's Four Resources Modelcode breaker, text participant, text user, and text analystand details many techniques for developing these practices through holistic integrated learning.

Customer Reviews (1)

Recommended reading for any parent or classroom instructor
Reading To Live: How To Teach Reading For Today's World by Lorraine Wilson (an education consultant who conducts professional development programs for teachers throughout Australia) presents an articulate and persuasive argument for preserving integrated, holistic reading programs within the classroom, while refuting the presumed efficacy of a uniform, lock-step, one-size-fits-all policy of reading instruction. Reading To Live showcases easy to apply teaching strategies for reading skills that are based upon the life experiences and language abilities that children bring to school. Expanding upon the Luke & Freebody Four Resources Model (code breaker, text participant, text user, and text analyst), many techniques for developing these practices through a holistically integrated learning approach are cogently and succinctly detailed. Reading To Live is very strongly recommended reading for any parent or classroom instructor charged with the responsibility of teaching a child to read. ... Read more

Book Description

This is a book from the keyboard of an experienced teacher who knows what works with students.
- Teachers College Record

Illuminating Texts' accompanying website - - continues and complements the book by providing additional resources, all of which are frequently updated. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Invaluable Book
As a college student interested in becoming a teacher, I have found this book to be extremely valuable.Using clear and concise language, the book addresses the issues of how we can tell that a text can be trusted and how a student can learn to read such a text.Having not yet entered into the educational field, I feel like this book has a valuable wealth of information that I can be taught from before I teach, when I am learning to teach and while I am teaching.

The book is divided up into easy to read chapters with important ideas, terms or, questions accented by bullet points.The different chapters examine how to read important topics such as literature, textbooks and tests.My personal favorite is the chapter "Reading the Internet" which discusses the many facets of this resource.Online searches are a main source of information for students today.The book identifies and defines important aspects of this such as the types of texts and web sites that can be found.In addition, the author suggests questions that a teacher can ask a student to help them determine the quality of the site they are searching.

The author provides an immense amount of very useful information on reading texts.Whether it is about teaching students how to read online texts, learning what questions to ask or making connections to what is read, this book is invaluable.I am confident it will be part of my educational career.

... Read more

Book Description
This manual of ideas zeroes in on current picture book titles. It features reproducible worksheets, writing activities, related reading based activities, and technology for grades three through five. The ideas have been tested in the authors' libraries and are linked to national curricular standards. Though school librarians are targeted as the main audience for this book, it also is a valuable resource for the classroom teacher and reading specialist. Librarians will find the ideas and plans valuable as they collaborate with teachers to teach content area standards. The most similar resource to this book of lesson plans is the authors' first book, Linking Picture Books to Standards. This new book has the same format, but focuses on upper- level picture books and activities. It provides the librarian, classroom teacher, or reading specialist with worksheets that are ready to copy and patterns that are easy to follow. There are few resources of a similar genre on the market today--this book should help bridge the gap and provide much needed materials. Grades 3-5. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An introduction to the often difficult process of teaching small children the intricate details of the English language
Using Picture Books To Teach Language Arts Standards In Grades 3-5 deftly co-authored and illustrated by element school librarian and media specialist Brenda S. Copeland and Patricia A. Messner is an informed and informative introduction to the often difficult process of teaching small children the intricate details of the English language. Designed specially for school librarians, but also providing teachers and homeschooling parents with a comprehensive and "user-friendly" mapping of the particulars in language arts instruction, Using Picture Books To Teach Language Arts Standards is an exceptional value as a resource for the curriculum enrichment. Enhanced with an appendices, a bibliography, web resources, and an index, Using Picture Books To Teach Language Arts Standards is confidently recommended to the attention of teachers, librarians, and reading specialists of grades 3-5 for its exclusively expansive conceptual grasp of the teaching standards for the language arts.
... Read more

Book Description
Learning to teach reading is an important and timely topic in the reading-focused reform environment of education at the start of the millennium. Teacher education in general and reading teacher education, specifically, are under attack. Teacher educators are accused of not preparing teachers who are capable of teaching reading to all children. To address these challenges and to set in motion future reform, renowned literacy scholars have come together to present Learning to Teach Reading: Setting the Research Agenda.

In this volume, editor Cathy M. Roller has compiled chapters based on presentations at the International Reading Association's Reading Research 2000 Conference. Notable scholars address issues ranging from the status of the knowledge base to social reconstruction and teacher education, from beginning teachers' instructional practices to practicing teachers' reactions to teaching standards. In the book's concluding chapter, Roller establishes an agenda for future research and development at all teaching levels.

Roller states that she is "convinced that improving America's schools, and particularly the reading instruction in those schools, requires an ambitious research agenda for teacher education." The themes of such a research agenda are woven throughout this volume, which reading researchers and teacher educators will find invaluable. This important collection will not only propel new research on teacher preparation for reading instruction, but it also will help you to find a proactive voice in advancing standards and practices of excellence in literacy education. ... Read more

Product Description
Sixty meaningful classroom-developed literature and writing activities keep students engaged while you direct instruction in small groups. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good for Teachers Experienced with Using Centers
I purchased this book because I thought it would give me some fresh ideas on how to set up and manage centers while I worked with small groups.Well, the author only spends about 4 pages on center set-up and management, and it's a pretty broad overview with fuzzy details.I would not recommend this book for a teacher who has never done centers before, because it is not very helpful in the "how-to" department. On the other hand, it is packed full of great ideas for activities related to literacy that can be used in your centers.Most of them are of the worksheet variety, and many are made for specific book titles, but all of the ideas can be adapted for your own curriculum.The menu idea itself is great and very flexible, and I like the author's use of long-term projects to solve the "I'm done, what can I do now?" problem. This is a great book for teachers who already use centers and need some new activity ideas.

Helpful book
This was a helpful book for the ever present problem of keeping the rest of the class busy (but not with "busy work") while you work with a small group. Even if you are not reading some of the titles listed by theauthor, the framework for creating your own activities is very helpful. ... Read more

Book Description
Read and recall more written information in less time, with Teach Yourself Speed Reading. Includes a variety of easy reading and memory techniques that can be used immediately. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Comprehensive book on speed reading
I found this book to be the most insightful and comprehensive book on the topic of speed reading that I have ever read.The author advocates a 5 step process for reading that will have you reading more quickly and effectively in no time.She addresses points in a clear and concise manner that other authors on the topic glaze over, and there are several exercises throughout the book to help you solidify your new skills.

Most authors on the topic jump right into the mechanics of speed reading and focus on increasing the number of words per minute you can absorb, Tina Konstant addresses the true goal of speed reading:processing and retaining information more quickly.She gives clear advice on how you can improve your memory, concentration and vocabulary.These necessary skills are just as important to speed reading as the techniques on which other authors focus.

The one area where I think this book could use some more "meat" is in the study skills section.For a good read on how to use the skills you learn from this book in your education, refer to the Evelyn Woods 7 Day Speed Reading book.However, in terms of general "how to" on speed reading and retention, I could not recommend a better book than Konstant's.I highly recommend it.

Comprehensive book on speed reading
I read this book and found it to be very insightful.While there IS only a small portion of the book focused on the specific topic of technique, the author does a good job of pointing out that there is more to speed reading than eye-hand movements.Memory, concentration, and vocabulary drive not only how quickly you can read, but also whether you will remember the content.

I have read several books on this topic, and this book is the best by far at defining not only the HOW of speed reading, but all of the related disciplines required to make your reading time more effective.I highly recommend this book.

Misleading and Ineffective
I purchased this book because the book I wanted was out of print (Speed Reading by Robert Zorn) and because this book was written recently.I figured I would give this unrated book a shot.

Well after reading the book for a day I realized it was not what I was looking for.This book instead of focusing on the subject of speed-reading decided to spend time on irrelevant topics.

To show my point here is the table of contents:

(1) Introduction (2) The Five-Step Reading System (3) Speed Reading (4) Developing your Vocabulary (5) Concentration (6) Memory(7) A Book is a Book is a Book (Reasons for reading books) (8) Your eyes and effective reading (9) Distractions and Solutions (10) Real World Reading (11) Working and studying for a living (12) Useful information

Notice how there is only one or maybe two chapters that focus on speed reading. There has to be at most only 30 pages of Speed Reading information... but that is a generous estimate. Also the methods Konstant teaches are ineffective and vague. She promotes the use of a pacer in the reading process, which is a bad ineffective method to gain speed in reading.

If you are interested in learning to speed-read then I suggest you pick up Robert Zorn's Speed Reading.Since the book is out of print you might need to do some searching in order to find it. ... Read more

Book Description

The provides the instructor with suggested answers and responses to the Application Activities at the end of each chapter.

Linguistics is much more than a study reserved for academicians. Linguistics has real-life applications to effective teachingnow more than ever. With the increased emphasis on phonemic awareness and phonics in the teaching of reading, teachers need to understand how language works. When teachers are familiar with basic linguistic concepts, they are better prepared to make decisions about how to teach reading, spelling, phonics, and grammar to all students, including English language learners.

In this unique linguistics course-in-a-book, David and Yvonne Freeman explain essential linguistic concepts in a thorough, but manageable manner and show the connections between linguistic theory and classroom practice. They demonstrate that the greater a teacher's understanding of basic language structures and processes, the easier it is to make good decisions on tough topics like phonics, spelling, and grammar. They present:

• the basic concepts of linguistics in everyday language
• examples and activities that apply linguistics concepts to teaching reading, spelling, phonics, and grammar to all students, including English language learners
• end-of-chapter applications that link linguistic theory and classroom practice.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great linguistic book for teachers
Freeman & Freeman have hit a great niche with their book. I don't want or need, a complex linguistics book in the style of Chomsky. Freeman & Freeman take language research and package the relevant "real-world" findings so they will be of use for teachers. Although my interest is for English as a Second (ESL) teachers, I believe every teacher is concerned with literacy, and Freeman & Freeman's book covers what teachers need to know concerning phonics v. whole word instruction, spelling, and grammar. Freeman & Freeman seem to belong to the Stephen Krashen school of language and reading. This is a plus for me, but for Krashen-haters, it probably wouldn't be, and they should look elsewhere. This is "baby" linguistics book--you won't get a section on Chomsky's generative grammar here. I think it would be a good companion volume along with VanPatten's "From Input to Output"--which is a slim volume solely concerned with second language acquisition and has the same conversational tone--and--this is important--their teaching advice and philosophy meshes. ... Read more

Product Description
Pop these poems in a pocket chart and build important reading skills! Children develop decoding strategies as they solve fun guess-me poems that target key sound-letter relationships initial consonants, long- and short vowels, and more. ... Read more

Book Description
• Priced low to appeal to parents seeking practical, economical ways to encourage reading
• Activities, games, recipes, word and reading lists for each letter of the alphabet
• Follows the multi-sensory/hands on approach to reading Research has shown that letter identification and sound/symbol association are the first steps for success in reading. Teach Me to Read, Letter by Letter is an A through Z, exciting, clever collection of recipes activities and word lists, geared towards hands-on, total-body utilization activities, which have been classroom tested and proven to help the child/student learn best. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An excellent teaching tool for preschoolers ages 2-4.
This book is well-written and offers a variety of hands-on manipulatives to reinforce teaching objectives.The material is easy to present and easy for the children to remember.I have found it to be the case that one letter can be taught for a week without running short of ideas or concepts for your little one.A great buy!!! ... Read more

Product Description
Research shows that using key picture and word associations to teach the alphabet helps children establish strong letter-sound relationships and build phonemic awareness. Help students develop these skills using this book of 26 target letter lessons. Each lesson features a poem, corresponding easy art project, and letter writing practice. Also includes warm-up and extension activities, literature links, and more. 80 pages. ... Read more

Book Description

Whether it's television, film, print, or the Internet, our world is saturated with visual images. That flow has become so persistent, so insistent, we can no longer dismiss its impact on our students' perceptions. We need to make media literacy a vital component of language arts education and equip our students to analyze and respond critically to media texts. Seeing & Believing was written to assist you with that process.

Developed as a tool to help you integrate various forms of media, Seeing & Believing offers a practical approach to basic theory in media literacy and the analysis of both still and moving images. They include film, episodic television, and print advertising. You'll discover all kinds of strategies to help you in your analyses as well as other texts to enhance and refine your understanding of the discipline. There are also activities that clearly illustrate how these strategies are applied to particular works of literature, writing strategies, small-group work, media production, and critical-thinking skills. Best of all, Krueger and Christel provide lots of resources to help you get started, including study guides and "ready-to-teach" activities, lists of useful books and videos, and a listing of professional organizations and journals that focus on the development of media education in the U.S. and around the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Illuminating!
This book has completely changed the way I view the art of teaching.My students now enjoy coming to class, they pay attention, they come every day, ready to learn.Ellen Krueger hits a homerun with this brilliant text!I guarantee you will never look at the media OR the classroom the same way.5 out of 5! ... Read more

Product Description
Young learners build emergent reading and writing skills?as they create beautiful art! Children work together to create a whole-class work of readable art such as accordion books, giant murals, and sculptures. These classroom-tested projects cover favorite themes such as penguins, neighborhood & community, transportation, and weather. Projects require little setup and use all different media: printing, texture rubbings, collage, and more. Plus, resource lists of easy-to-find, recyclable materials. ... Read more

Book Description
Good teachers have long recognized the power of using picture books as models of good writing. The short, focused, and tightly woven text mirrors the kind of writing they want their students to be doing. In this essential resource, the authors have organized by trait more than 150 annotations of new and classic books that will delight young studentsNand inspire powerful writing. Peppered throughout are 18 step-by-step, trait-focused lessons based on specific books.For use with Grades K-2. ... Read more

Book Description

If ever the public wanted proof that a good teacher is a gift to society and the cornerstone of the curriculum, here is that proof. [This book] offers the pedagogical repertory of a remarkable English teacher from whom we can glean a harvest of ideas.
- Educational Leadership

Customer Reviews (2)

Teach us teachers, Mrs. K!
This book was very helpful to me as I developed a Writing Lab curriculum for 7th and 8th graders.The author gives a lot of insight about how to motivate and create rapport with reluctant writers.She serves as an example on how to make this type of student feel successful in an environment where he often faces nothing but failure.The advice on how to guide students to take ownership of their work and develop writing pieces of their own design was also helpful.Perhaps what I liked best was the honesty with which the book was written.The author never claims to "know it all", and shares many stories of her disappointments and failures.

A motivational fresh perspective . . .
Picking this book up while on maternity leave from teaching 7th grade English was a mentally refreshing and exciting experience.Through writing about her classroom approach, Mary Krogness revitalized my passion forteaching and gave me a new perspective on motivating all of my students --especially the reluctant ones.

I highly recommend this book for anymiddle level English/communication teacher. ... Read more