Understanding And Supporting Children With Literacy Difficulties

Learning to read is arguably the single most important educational challenge a child faces in the first years of schooling, setting a child up for future academic success and opportunities. However, it is estimated that one in six children experience literacy difficulties. This is the go-to book for psychologists, educationalists and other professionals wanting a deeper understanding of current thinking around dyslexia, reading comprehension difficulties, and related SpLDs. Drawing on six fictional case studies to illustrate her points, and using examples of good practice throughout, Valerie Muter unpacks the latest psychological theories and research on literacy disorders. She discusses the interconnections between underlying cognitive problems and learning and educational and behavioural issues, as well as the common co-occurrence of these conditions. This authoritative book also provides accessible guidance on making assessments and tailoring interventions within the home or school. Written by a lead thinker in the field, this is an essential evidence-based guide for those working with children with literacy difficulties and supporting them to achieve their full potential.

While most children learn to read fairly well, there remain many young Americans whose futures are imperiled because they do not read well enough to meet the demands of our competitive, technology-driven society. This book explores the problem within the context of social, historical, cultural, and biological factors. Recommendations address the identification of groups of children at risk, effective instruction for the preschool and early grades, effective approaches to dialects and bilingualism, the importance of these findings for the professional development of teachers, and gaps that remain in our understanding of how children learn to read. Implications for parents, teachers, schools, communities, the media, and government at all levels are discussed. The book examines the epidemiology of reading problems and introduces the concepts used by experts in the field. In a clear and readable narrative, word identification, comprehension, and other processes in normal reading development are discussed. Against the background of normal progress, Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children examines factors that put children at risk of poor reading. It explores in detail how literacy can be fostered from birth through kindergarten and the primary grades, including evaluation of philosophies, systems, and materials commonly used to teach reading.

Based on current research, debates and concerns, Understanding Difficulties in Literacy Development: Issues and Concepts adopts a cross disciplinary approach to understanding and working with those who experience difficulties with literacy. It provides a broad view of difficulties in literacy and related educational and curriculum learning issues across a range of ages, phases and settings.

Why do some children experience literacy difficulties? How can I identify a child with reading and writing challenges? What is the best way to support them in a classroom context? 1 in 10 children will experience some kind of reading difficulty, and while you as a class teacher are not expected to formally assess children or deliver specialist interventions, a good understanding of literacy challenges is crucial for providing optimum educational support. This guide demystifies and disentangles different types of literacy difficulty and explains how they can impact the child's day-to-day classroom functioning and general school life. Chapters include: how to identify children that are struggling; how to work with SpLD teachers and parents so they can be maximally supported; the co-occurrence of literacy difficulties with maths and attention problems,; alongside practical tips to support each child's learning. Strongly grounded in up-to-date theory and research, this is a perfect companion for classroom teachers of all age levels.

“Arguably the most common sense, and certainly the most informative, contemporary text onliteracy… Glynn, Wearmouth and Berryman bring a wealth of experience to the field of literacy,culture and family/school collaboration. We are indebted to the authors for putting together such aninformative and groundbreaking text that has overarching relevance in today’s multicultural society.†Dr Gavin Reid, University of Edinburgh, UK “A much needed text to counter the overly psychological approach to teaching literacy. It emphasizes asocio-cultural approach which puts the focus on the interactive, responsive and social elements of thechild learning to read in relation to the world around them.†Wally Penetito, Victoria University, New Zealand In many countries, school populations are becoming increasingly socially and culturally diverse, and delivering effective literacy programmes is becoming more challenging and complex. This book shows schools how to address difficulties with literacy learning experienced by students of diverse backgrounds, by employing strategies that respond to and affirm difference. This ‘responsive approach’ actively engages with students’ prior knowledge and experiences and ensures that these are fully validated in the literacy activities of the classroom. The responsive approach includes members of students' homes and communities collaborating to facilitate their participation in defining and delivering literacy programmes. This book illustrates ways in which teachers and other adults can create responsive social contexts at school and at home, to enable all children to participate fully in reading, writing and oral language activities in the classroom. It offers effective strategies for overcoming barriers to literacy learning, including: Reading tutoring that promotes comprehension and independence Writing partnerships that respond to children’s messages Responsive feedback strategies Interactive contexts that promote student responsibility for learning Community and school collaboration to develop authentic learning tasks Supporting Students with Literacy Difficulties: A Responsive Approachis key reading for teacher education students, practising teachers and parents.

This practitioner resource and course text has given thousands of K-12 teachers evidence-based tools for helping students--particularly those at risk for reading difficulties--understand and acquire new knowledge from text. The authors present a range of scientifically validated instructional techniques and activities, complete with helpful classroom examples and sample lessons. The book describes ways to assess comprehension, build the skills that good readers rely on, and teach students to use multiple comprehension strategies flexibly and effectively. Each chapter features thought-provoking discussion questions. Reproducible lesson plans and graphic organizers can be downloaded and printed in a convenient 8 1/2" x 11" size. New to This Edition *Chapters on content-area literacy, English language learners, and intensive interventions. *Incorporates current research on each component of reading comprehension. *Discusses ways to align instruction with the Common Core State Standards. *Additional instructional activities throughout.

Why do some children experience literacy difficulties? How can I identify if my child finds reading and spelling challenging? What is the best way to support them at home? As a parent, it can be difficult to identify how your child's literacy difficulties may present in a home setting and supporting the child with literacy difficulties doesn't end at the school gates! Child psychologist, Valerie Muter, goes beyond the classroom to offer a wealth of resources for parents to use at home to help engage their child in reading and writing. From giving you a guidance on how to communicate with teachers about your concerns and requesting screenings and assessments to giving you lots of tips and tricks that you can implement at home to support your child's growth, this is the ultimate guide to answer all of the questions you might have about literacy difficulties and more.

Completely revised and updated in light of the new SEND 2014 Code of Practice, this new edition describes the different types of difficulties experienced by pupils with speech, language and communication needs. It will help teachers and other professionals to feel more confident by providing expert guidance and practical strategies, and as a professional development tool, will also encourage outstanding practice by suggesting ideas and materials for in-house training sessions. The wide-ranging and accessible chapters explore topics including: Listening skills Phonological awareness Comprehension of language Activities for circle time Working with parents Featuring useful checklists, templates and photocopiable resources, this practical resource contains a wealth of valuable advice and tried-and-tested strategies for identifying children and young people with speech, language and communication needs, ensuring they have the support they need to make exceptional progress.