The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading

Christopher Such is a primary school teacher, school leader, teacher educator and consultant who has worked in schools since 2006. As part of Ambition Institutes learning design team, he co-designed their National Professional Qualification in Leading Literacy (NPQLL). He has contributed to the initial teacher training programmes for Teach East, Torch SCITT and Ambition Institute, focusing on reading instruction and mathematics pedagogy. In his work as an education consultant, he has worked with schools, multi-academy trusts, English hubs and wider organisations to develop teachers understanding of reading and implement approaches to evidence-informed classroom teaching that prioritise meaningful experiences with texts. His first book, The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading, is required reading on many initial teacher training programmes and higher education courses. He is the author of the education blog Primary Colour, and he can be found on social media platforms via the username @Suchmo83.

PART 1: READING AND ITS ORIGINS Chapter 1: A brief history of reading and writing Chapter 2: Useful frameworks for reading Chapter 3: The trouble with English PART 2: DECODING Chapter 4: Phonics Chapter 5: Fluency PART 3: LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION Chapter 6: Listening comprehension Chapter 7: Situation models Chapter 8: Comprehension monitoring Chapter 9: Inference Chapter 10: Text structure Chapter 11: Vocabulary Chapter 12: Background knowledge Chapter 13: How the different elements of comprehension combine PART 4: OPPORTUNITIES TO ENHANCE READING Chapter 14: Independent reading / reading for pleasure Chapter 15: Reading across the curriculum Chapter 16: Writing PART 5: ADDRESSING READING DIFFICULTIES Chapter 17: Dyslexia Chapter 18: Assessment Chapter 19: Intervention PART 6: THE READING DIET Chapter 20: The current situation Chapter 21: Getting the balance right Chapter 22: Questioning and discussion Chapter 23: Text choice Chapter 24: Action plan for classroom teachers Chapter 25: Action plan for reading coordinators

With an erudite synergy of complex research and firsthand experience, The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading is sure to become an essential manual for ensuring every pupil becomes a fluent reader. Its the book I didnt realise Id been waiting for. -- Robbie Burns * Schools Week *

Students really enjoyed this text. It was easy to understand and hits a variety of topics. -- Dr Jessica Koch

Coherent and accessible insight into the teaching of reading. Chris clarity of voice and understanding whilst being accessible and engaging is key. -- Mr Mathew Tobin