Learning to read is one of the most important life skills teachers can help a child develop. Teaching reading is a vital part of a career in the classroom and engaging with the range of different learning styles children have is a real challenge. Trainee teachers need to learn how to address this variety of learning needs, and also meet the wider demands of the curriculum.

Margaret Perkins helps students meet these challenges to become a confident, reflective teacher of reading by providing:

* An in-depth explanation of phonics teaching alongside other teaching approaches, empowering trainees to choose the right approach for each individual child

*Key research findings so students can apply the latest thinking to their teaching practice

*School-based activities and independent learning tasks to help apply theory to practice, and develop teaching skills through self-reflection

*Classroom scenarios of teacher-child interactions that demonstrate how children learn and respond to different teaching strategies.

About the Author
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.

Reviews

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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781446273142
Author Margaret Perkins
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Sage Publications Ltd
Publisher Sage Publications Ltd
Weight(grams) 480g