
Promoting Reading for Pleasure in the Primary School
Michael Lockwood must be congratulated on producing such a powerful argument for reading for pleasure being at the heart of the literacy curriculum, and at the heart of raising standards in both reading and writing.
This is an excellent book which explores the rationale for promoting reading for pleasure in school and then provides really good advice on how a school might develop its practice. Research, surveys and government initiatives are examined in a critical and accessible way so that the issues surrounding ‘reading for pleasure’ are made clear. This includes meeting head on the question of how far schools might promote reading for pleasure given today’s ‘official curriculum and assessment requirements’. A major strength is its focus on the school as well as the classroom with practical ideas offered at both levels. There are chapters on the early years and the later primary years as well as a very useful chapter with advice on getting boys reading for pleasure. In each chapter the ideas are backed up by current research.
The award was presented on July 11th at the conference dinner at the UKLA International Conference in Greenwich.
This is a useful CDROM which provides ideas for guided reading using short stories, picture books, information texts and poetry. A strength is that it has been written by practising teachers. The advice on creative approaches to guided reading will be really useful to KS2 teachers as will the exploration of using multi modal texts. Use of the Suffolk Assessment Grids makes clear potential assessment focuses.
Prue Goodwin has edited chapters from an interesting set of contributors, each of whom explores a particular theme or genre. Historical perspectives are provided as well as up to date ideas and research as the book moves from books for babies, through picture books for all ages, poetry, information books and graphic texts. The richness of the world of children’s literature shines through this fascinating book and we are reminded of the power of high quality books for children of all ages.
This book (and accompanying CD) is the third in a series for the primary school years. It contains a wealth of creative, exciting ideas for teachers and children to explore nine high quality picture books and the work of Quentin Blake as an author study. The ideas are described and explored in an opening chapter and then applied to the different books. Layout and design are excellent making it an accessible text for teachers. The series should be a key resource for primary teachers in the future.
Panel 2009
Lynda Graham (chair), Jacqui Harrett (University of Glamorgan), Tony Martin (University of Cumbria), Martin Waller (Y2 teacher)
UKLA has allowed me to further develop my interest in multiliteracies by providing me with the means to discuss and share practice with other like-minded colleagues. ”
Martin Waller
Primary Teacher
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