Becoming a Teacher of Reading

Margaret Perkins worked in initial teacher education for many years with undergraduates, postgraduates and those on employment-based routes in different provider institutions. Before that she taught in primary schools across the age ranges and throughout the United Kingdom as a classteacher and in positions of leadership. For the last ten years, she has been responsible for the primary GTP and School Direct routes into primary teaching, at the University of Reading, working closely with schools located in more than eight different authorities. It is this experience which prompted the writing of this book. In September 2016 she is going back into school as a class teacher in Year 1 and to work with colleagues across the school to make the English curriculum exciting, relevant and rigorous. Her teaching career is finishing where it began. She will be recording her experiences online at www.backtoschoolmargaret.com Please read the blog and share your thoughts and experiences.

Knowing about the reading process Being a reader What do we read? How do children develop as readers? Providing a reading environment Teaching systematic synthetic phonics: subject knowledge and progression Teaching decoding: the pedagogy of phonics Teaching comprehension Teaching strategies for reading lessons Knowing and recording children's development as readers Supporting individuals Becoming an outstanding teacher of reading

The author's practical wisdom flows through this book. Student teachers' common questions, "what is reading?" and "what can I do in the classroom?" are addressed with clarity. It is timely, when teaching reading is often perceived by policy makers as a technical skill, and at its core are passion, knowledge and experience. -- Colin Mills Thank you Margaret! This book offers a balanced, informed perspective on the complex nature of teaching reading. It sets the skills of de-coding in the wider context and suggests manageable practical strategies supported by research and theory. An accessible text for both undergraduate and postgraduate students, it includes all the key messages that I want future teachers of reading to know. -- Helen Hendry This book is invaluable in supporting trainee teachers in becoming confident teachers of reading in the primary classroom. It is comprehensive, covering all aspects of reading across the primary age range. Each chapter sets out clearly what it will address, is supported by recent, relevant research and with good opportunities for reflective activities throughout. The focus on both the learner and the teacher allows the reader to consider how to create a stimulating learning environment alongside developing excellence in becoming a teacher of reading. I fully recommend this book. -- Jo Bowers "'Becoming a Teacher of Reading'" will give much valuable background knowledge for anyone doing a CPD or PG course in order to support those who struggle. -- Margaret Barr * Dyslexia Review Vol 26 No 2 Autumn 2015 *