Christopher Such, author of 'The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading' and the forthcoming 'Primary Reading Simplified', shares his passion for enhancing literacy education. He discusses his motivation for writing a new book and highlights key elements that make reading lessons successful. Listeners will learn effective strategies for assessing reading difficulties, curating high-quality texts, and fostering a reading culture in schools. Christopher's insights offer actionable advice for educators eager to adapt and improve their reading instruction methods.
Christopher Such emphasizes the shift from theoretical concepts to practical, classroom-tested strategies in teaching reading effectively.
The podcast highlights the importance of fostering a reading culture in schools by promoting diverse texts and encouraging student engagement.
Common pitfalls in reading practices are addressed, particularly the dangers of aligning instruction too closely with standardized assessments.
Deep dives
Focus on Reading in Education
This episode emphasizes the critical role of reading in primary education. The conversation discusses the importance of not only understanding the theory behind reading instruction but also the practical application in the classroom. Christopher Such shares insights from his experience as a reading consultant, highlighting the desire of many educators for actionable guidance on effective reading instruction. The episode also previews an upcoming conference dedicated to discussing innovative approaches to reading, which reflects the growing emphasis on this essential area of pedagogy.
New Approaches to Teaching Reading
Such reveals his efforts to improve reading instruction through the development of a new book that aims to provide teachers with effective strategies for teaching reading. He discusses how his previous work focused largely on theory but has evolved to include practical, classroom-tested methods. The book encourages educators to go beyond merely applying evidence-based principles by offering concrete guidance on how to organize reading lessons, assess student difficulties, and foster a strong reading culture. This transition demonstrates a significant shift towards practical teaching strategies that can be readily implemented in diverse classroom environments.
Challenging Norms in Reading Instruction
The episode addresses common pitfalls in current reading practices that stem from an over-reliance on standardized assessments and SAT preparation. Such points out that many schools are reverse-engineering their reading instruction to align with test formats, which often leads to limited reading time and insufficient engagement with actual texts. He argues for a more balanced approach that integrates fluency development, exposure to diverse texts, and active reading discussions. This holistic strategy seeks to invigorate reading lessons, counteract stagnation, and foster a deeper understanding of the reading process among students.
Implementing Systematic Change in Schools
The discussion provides valuable insights into how schools can systematically implement change in their reading programs. Such stresses the significance of thorough planning and ensuring that reading remains a priority within the school's broader curriculum. He recommends incorporating feedback loops involving teachers' experiences and effectively assessing school-wide reading interventions to ensure lasting change. By following incremental steps and maintaining a focus on building staff capacity, schools can create a sustainable model for enhancing reading instruction.
Building a Strong Reading Culture
The episode identifies crucial strategies for developing a thriving reading culture within schools. Such emphasizes the need to support students in becoming confident readers, noting that students' disinterest in reading often stems from struggling with the skill itself. He suggests that schools should actively promote reading for pleasure by displaying enthusiasm from teachers and offering diverse, accessible materials. Encouraging discussions around books, providing recommendations, and allowing students the freedom to choose their reading materials can significantly enhance engagement and motivate students to develop a love for reading.
Episode 197: Primary Reading Simplified – with Christopher Such
In this episode of Thinking Deeply about Primary Education, I’m joined by Christopher Such, author of The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading and soon Primary ReadingSimplified, as we dive into simplifying the complexities of teaching reading. Christopher shares insights from his upcoming book and reflects on the evolving approaches to reading instruction in schools.
We discuss:
Why Christopher chose to write another book on reading and whether his previous work left anything unresolved.
The key elements that make reading lessons truly effective, and how this compares to common practices in schools.
Lessons learned from changing reading instruction across an entire school.
Expert advice on assessing and addressing reading difficulties within the classroom.
Tips for selecting high-quality texts that engage and challenge pupils.
Practical steps for developing a strong reading culture in schools.
Packed with practical strategies and deep insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone involved in primary reading instruction.
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