what is the science of reading? the term is often used when discussing research-backed methods of teaching children to read. It’s not new, but it’s definitely a hot topic these days. If you’ve been wondering where to start learning more about the subject, we’ve looked at some recent PD books that might help. We also know you’re busy, so we found a mix of quick reads you can get through in a weekend and ones that dig a little deeper.
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You are reading: Books about teaching reading
science of reading pd books
1. know better do better: teaching the basics so every child can read by david liben and meredith liben
This is a super practical starter (or refresher) manual on foundational literacy skills and how to teach them. The authors are founders of an alternative public school in New York City. achieved a dramatic change in their students’ reading scores by leaning on the science of reading. the book includes many memorable stories that really help the content stick in your mind.
buy it: knowing better doing better: teaching the basics so every child can read on amazon | know better do better: teaching the basics so that all children can read in the bookstore
2. shifting the balance: 6 ways to bring the science of reading to the balanced literacy classroom by jan burkins and kari yates
This book will help you rethink some of your balanced literacy practices in the classroom without feeling like you have to start from scratch. each chapter mentions common misconceptions, explains the research, and provides super-manageable tips for “making the switch.” tons of teachers call it a game changer! (psst: the authors have amazing resources online, too).
Buy It: Changing the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading to the Classroom Balanced Literacy on Amazon | Changing the Balance: 6 Ways to Bring the Science of Reading to the Balanced Literacy Classroom at the Bookstore
3. Letters and First Words Lessons: Phonics Basics That Work by Heidi Anne Mesmer
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If you want to improve your understanding of phonics instruction, Heidi Mesmer definitely has your back. This book offers a crash course on the English language for teachers. (For example, if you keep forgetting what a diphthong is, this one is for you!) There’s a helpful phonics lesson framework to use again and again. Plus, we love all the easy activities and routines.
buy it: letters and first words lessons: phonics basics that work on amazon | Letters and First Words Lessons: Phonics Basics That Work at the Bookstore
4. The Reading Strategy Book: Your Complete Guide to Developing Skilled Readers by Jennifer Serravallo
Since 2015, we’ve drawn from this great collection of strategies to help students improve their reading comprehension, fluency, and reading response skills. In response to the inquiry, the author recently revised her chapter on reading accuracy. she added an additional 30 decoding strategies and made them available as a free download for anyone who has purchased the book. this updated chapter can help you emphasize decoding and discourage guessing.
buy it: the reading strategy book: your complete guide to developing a master reader on amazon | The Reading Strategy Book: Your Complete Guide to Developing a Skilled Bookstore Reader
5. How to Plan Differentiated Reading Instruction, Second Edition: Resources for K-3 by Sharon Walpole and Michael C. mckenna
Juggling the needs of children is complicated. In this book, chapters cover how to use research to plan small groups that focus on phonological awareness, word recognition and decoding, fluency, and comprehension. this updated edition is packed with valuable practical advice.
Buy It: Planning for Differentiated Reading Instruction, Second Edition: K-3 Resources at Amazon | How to Plan for Differentiated Reading Instruction, Second Edition: Resources for K-3 in the Bookstore
6. choosing and using decodable texts: practical tips to improve phonics teaching by wiley blevins
Hate decodable text? Wiley Blevins, a long-time reading researcher, could win him over. Quick, readable, and research-based, this is a great resource for K-2 teachers. printable book lovers will appreciate the included blackline masters.
buy it: choosing and using decodable texts: practical tips to improve the teaching of phonics on amazon | choice and use of decodable texts: practical advice to improve the teaching of phonetics in the bookstore
7. pronouncing high-frequency words: an alternative to memorization by denise eide and cindy kringelis
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here is a science of reading a pd book focused on a concrete action step. Brain research encourages teaching children to rely on letter sounds to read high-frequency words. These lessons make it easy to update your approach.
buy it: pronounce high-frequency words: an alternative to memorization on amazon
8. speech to print: language essentials for teachers, third edition by louisa cook moats
This gold standard textbook from a reading research guru was recently updated. now also has lots of practical guidance and helpful graphics.
buy it: printable speech: language basics for teachers, third edition at amazon | speech to print: language essentials for teachers, third edition in the bookstore
9. language at the speed of sight: how we read, why so many can’t, and what can be done about it by mark seidenberg
fill your coffee cup and find your highlighters. This is a detailed explanation of the reading brain from a cognitive neuroscientist.
buy it: language at the speed of sight: how we read, why so many can’t, and what can be done about it on amazon | language at the speed of sight: how we read, why so many can’t, and what can be done about it in the bookstore
10. the knowledge gap: the hidden cause of america’s failing education system and how to fix it by natalie wexler
Here’s a science of reading a PD book from a different perspective: the impact of prior knowledge on students’ (and school-wide) reading success. Do you want to be able to stand up for content area teaching for children? if so, you’ll love this one.
buy it: the knowledge gap: the hidden cause of america’s flawed education system and how to fix it on amazon | the knowledge gap: the hidden cause of america’s flawed education system and how to fix it at the bookstore
what science of reading pd books have you read lately? share in the comments below!
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