Reading About Reading
It might sound weird, but I do a lot of reading about reading! Of course, I love to read, but I also love to learn, so I am always on the lookout for sources of information to help me add to what I know. Here is a short list of suggested reading to learn more about how children learn to read. I listed them in the order I read them, just to be fair. ;)
I read Dyslexic Advantage when it first came out in 2012 and it completely changed my view of dyslexia. Recently a new updated version was published. Can dyslexia be an advantage? Yes, it can! You are probably misinformed about dyslexia, as I will admit I was until I read this book. Dyslexia is not a visual impairment, it is not low intelligence, and it is not all about reversing letters. Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader. It is most commonly due to a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and, often, learn a second language. I now think of dyslexia as a different way the brain works. Part of a brain with dyslexia is truly amazing and special, which is why so many highly successful people have dyslexia. The other part of the brain with dyslexia has trouble working with language. This article explains how the brain works in much more depth. As you can see, I am very interested in the topic and would welcome a discussion at any time!
The authors of the book Dyslexic Advantage also founded the Dyslexic Advantage Newsletter. I can not say enough good things about this FREE monthly publication. You can sign up here. Each month the issues have so much good information for EVERYONE who has a child learning to read in their life, especially those who want to learn more about dyslexia. If you are thinking you don’t know someone who has dyslexia, guess again! Dyslexia affects 20 percent of the population and represents 80–90 percent of all those with learning disabilities. There is also a Premium Magazine chock full of even more information.
I read Shifting the Balance K-2 in 2022 and when Shifting the Balance 3-5 was published I immediately bought that too! I highly recommend both books to all teachers in grades K-5, not just reading specialists. Both books contain an abundant source of information on how to blend current best practices with the new practices that the research from the Science of Reading shows. The authors do an excellent job helping teachers understand not only what shifts to make in their instructional practices but also the why and how. You can learn more about the books on their website.
Over the summer of 2023, I read 7 Mighty Moves which is a much more concise book for all K-3 teachers. I would also suggest it for reading specialists in grades 4-6 as well. The book gives specific strategies, anecdotes, and QR codes with videos. After reading just one chapter you will be adding these new ideas into your instructional practice right away! The author is also currently teaching in a primary classroom, so she is down in the trenches so to speak. I know from my own experience, this is key to understanding what works right now. Not what worked years ago, or what works in theory. Working with students day after day allows teachers to see what works to make progress. Watching a student start to put all of their reading skills together is one of the best parts of my job!
Share this with people you know who are teachers, parents, grandparents, caregivers, or anyone who has a child in their lives!
