Promoting Reading for Pleasure in the Primary School
- Michael Lockwood - University of Reading, UK
This practical and focused book draws on the author's own research project in order to identify good practice in promoting reading for enjoyment. It presents specific activities which teachers can use to develop their own whole school and classroom practice, enabling them to put the fun back into reading.
Each chapter features case-study material and provides examples of planning from schools that have successfully created thriving reading cultures through schemes such as reading assemblies, book clubs, library loyalty cards, school book evenings and quizzes. There is also an extensive, annotated list of print and internet-based resources.
Topics covered include:
- Becoming a reading for pleasure school
- Promoting a love of reading in the early years
- Developing reading enjoyment in the later primary years
- Getting boys reading
Promoting Reading for Pleasure in the Primary School is written for all those involved in education who would like to see as many children as possible develop a love of reading. It will be particularly relevant for pre-service and in-service K-8 teachers, teaching assistants, advisers and consultants, and teacher educators and researchers.
'Lockwood has written a useful, supportive book which will help teachers and librarians…He describes the background and summarises the research and then proposes thoroughly practical programmes' - Carousel
'Michael Lockwood has produced an excellent, practical overview and analysis of what works in the primary school to promote reading for
pleasure….Lockwood's work is grounded and valuable to those who need it most - teachers in the classroom working hard to engender a love of reading' - English Drama Media
`This book is first class. It puts the matter very clearly and succinctly, and presents a great deal of evidence to support the argument that pleasure is not a frivolous extra, but the very heart and essence of what reading is about. It also gives readers plenty of ideas for carrying the principle into the classroom, and for justifying it…This is an excellent piece of work, which I hope will find a place on every staffroom bookshelf' - Philip Pullman
In the times when reading is considered ‘uncool’ and ‘boring’ and is taught at school with the focus on passing the Reading Comprehension Test, this book emphasises the love of reading and offers valuable advice on how to ignite passion for books in the hearts of all pupils. A must-have for primary practitioners.
* I thought that it was strong in how it contextualises its research upon recent government initiatives.
* Case studies and Action Points mean that it is accessible and useful to Students, Lecturers and SLT/Literacy Coordinators too
* A great focus on promoting reading with those children who are switched off with plenty of suggested approaches - great
Lots of excellent ideas to take into the classroom in order to promote reading for pleasure. There is a balance between theory and practical examples and the text would be beneficial for trainees and teachers of reading. An engaging and motivating text.
Really useful book for students has been included in reading lists for PGCE and Year 2 and 3 students.
Some PGCE individuals found it very useful for their dissertations this year if they were related to reading. Will be continuing to recommend this for next year's course too.
Useful book i.e. for reference for myself as an English lecturer to Trainee Students in Yrs 2, 3 and PGCE
Has been ordered for the University Library and included on student booklists. Will be used next year as well.
At a time when an instrumental approach to reading is in danger of reducing readers to technicians of the printed word, this book places the joy of reading at the heart of children's experience of text.
A timely and well balanced text which refocuses the attention within the teaching of reading.
This book deals very clearly with an important aspect of teaching Literacy.
Wide-ranging and interesting topics addressed within this book. It is very practically based, with theoretical underpinning, which makes it very relevant and readable for student teachers. I particularly like the case studies, action points and pause for thought sections.
