Reading Theory and Practice
On this page, you can find out about the theory and practice of supporting reading.
Remember, teenagers are choosy: the more choice they have, the more likely they are to want to read (remember being forced to read a 300 page English 'classic' at school? Wasn't fun, was it?).
All young people are different, and reading habits are also different. Your child may prefer to read alone and in peace. He might like to engage in 'social reading' (sitting with friends, occasionally sharing what he has just read). She may enjoy reading magazines or simultaneously reading and listening to a book + audiobook. Lots of international student want to read in their home language. Take the lead from your children.
And remember, parents who model reading themselves are helping to support their children's reading habits for lifelong learning.
HAPPY READING!
Stuart Crouch
Remember, teenagers are choosy: the more choice they have, the more likely they are to want to read (remember being forced to read a 300 page English 'classic' at school? Wasn't fun, was it?).
All young people are different, and reading habits are also different. Your child may prefer to read alone and in peace. He might like to engage in 'social reading' (sitting with friends, occasionally sharing what he has just read). She may enjoy reading magazines or simultaneously reading and listening to a book + audiobook. Lots of international student want to read in their home language. Take the lead from your children.
And remember, parents who model reading themselves are helping to support their children's reading habits for lifelong learning.
HAPPY READING!
Stuart Crouch
Jim Trelease - ReadingTips for Parents
Click on the icons below to download the reading brochures, or click on the image to navigate to Jim Trelease's website
|
| ||||||
|
There are competing reasons why reading is under threat. This has turned reading into a battleground, when it should be a joyful experience. To read the article in full, click on the image. |
The Role of Early Oral Language in Literacy Development
Supporting young children’s language and literacy development has long been considered a practice that yields strong readers and writers later in life. The results of the National Early Literacy Panel’s (NELP) six years of scientific research synthesis supports the practice and its role in language development among children ages zero to five.
Discovering Literacy Through Comics
|
Discovering Literacy Through Comics is a six-page comic that provides an overview and evidence as to how reading comics and graphic novels supports reading comprehension strategies. After reading, teachers and parents will better understand the potential of comics to significantly improve reading and literacy development for diverse student populations, and be better prepared to teach these students through the medium of comics (link)
|
|
| dltc_comic_8.5x11.pdf |
Reading Webinar - Stuart Crouch and Courtney Moore
|
The following presentation was given by Stuart Crouch and Courtney Moore in 2017. It details strategies, events and resources that support reading at ISD.
|
|
| follett_webinar_reading_v2.pdf |
Books Available from the McWilliam Library
The Senior School Library has a collection of professional books on the subject of reading. Click here to view the list
Read aloud, often and well
This article appeared in the May 2017 issue of 'Voices from the Middle'
| read_aloud_often_and_well.pdf |
Reading Rockets
Reading Strategies - Teach Thought
Reading Tips for Parents (in multiple languages)
Three Components to Reading Success
Excerpt from Literacy Today Magazine
For more resources from the International Literacy Association, click on the image below:
Got a teenager? Tips for parents of middle schoolers
From: NHCS.net & AdLit.org
Click on the images below
Click on the images below
Don't know where to start? Here is what the ISD Senior School offers:
New Books - often requested and recommended by students
Readers - short books with restricted vocabulary for emerging readers - available in levels
Chapter Books - mainstream stories for Middle School students or older emerging readers
Graphic Novels - comic books and visual stories
Fiction - books and novels for teens and adults
Languages - books in German, French, Spanish, Korean and Japanese
Non-Fiction - books with facts and information - history and geography, technology, transport, health and fitness, the human body, science, astronomy, maths, literature, architecture and arts, biography
A variety of formats - books, magazines, newspapers, The Day articles, DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks, eAudiobooks
Tired of traditional book reports?Book reports can often take all the fun out of reading. Here are some strategies to scaffold comprehension that are creative and fun:
Imagine you are the main character. Make a mask or costume and video yourself telling the story from your point of view (2 minutes maximum) You are the 'baddie' in the story and have been put on trial. Record yourself giving a defence speech at your trial. What made you act in the way that you did? Didn't like the ending? Write a new one in the style of the original author. You loved it? Go online and find other books by the same author OR in the same genre. Think it would make a good movie? Choose any part of the book and write it out as a movie scene. Get your friends to act it out on camera. Did you love the setting? Create a tourist brochure for the setting that links the setting to the story (Welcome to Panem, where dreams come true!). Do you have a great idea? Share it with me: crouchs@isdedu.de |
Take a look at our new-look Library Catalogue
|
Reading Fiction in the Science Classroom - ASCD Education Update - June 2017
Reading and Success - read to learn from others
Mr. Crouch's 2020 Great Reads for Young Adults
Goal, by Robert Rigby
I enjoyed this story because it is partially set in my home city, Newcastle. However the story starts far away in Los Angeles, when Santiago’s dream of playing Premiership soccer comes true. If you enjoy the English national game and want to read about aspirations, dreams and the realities that come with them, this book is for you.
Readership - sport - adventure
Trash, by Andy Mulligan
Two boys living in an unnamed third world slum city, find a bag that will change their lives. This fantastic adventure story is a tale of the haves and the have-nots, and what it means to be caught up in the high-stakes world of government corruption.
Readership - adventure
Crewel, by Gennifer Albin
Not the best written book in the world, but the central theme and the setting are enough to make this an interesting read. It reminded me of The Giver and is also a dystopian novel. The main character, Adelice, has a secret power and once the government find out, her life is under threat.
Readership - dystopian - adventure
Martian, by Andy Weir
This book companies the movie of the same name, starring Matt Damon. It is written from the point of view of the main character, an astronaut who has been stranded on Mars after a mission goes wrong. The style is both full of jargon and scientific information, but all very humorous. This gives us a real insight into the terrible situation the astronaut finds himself in and the life-or-death reality that face him every day. Will he survive? Will his rescuers get to Mars on time?
Readership - adventure - thriller - space exploration - technology
Captain, by Sam Angus
Set during the First World War, this work of fiction follows a boy, Billy, who has lied about his age to get into the British Army. He ships out first to Alexandria in Egypt and then to Gallipoli to face Turkish forces. In Alexandria, Billy meets another boy, nicknamed Captain, and his donkey, Hey-Ho. What follows is a moving and exciting adventure story set against a backdrop of the horrors of war.
Readership - adventure - friendships - war stories - historical fiction
Memoirs of a neurotic zombie, by Jeff Norton
Adam is a normal boy, apart from one thing. He actually died and came back to life as a zombie. Written in a light-hearted and humorous style this 250 page book in larger print will delight anyone looking for a good weekend read. The author writes in a clever and witty style and the main character is full of life (even though - technically - he’s dead!).
Readership - zombies - funny story - lighthearted read
Hacker, by Malorie Blackman
Victoria Gibson is something of a computer geek, who is accused of cheating in a school exam (when in fact, she was just using her brain!). Things get worse when her father is accused of stealing from the bank where he works. But the facts don’t add up and what follows is an exciting story that follows Vicky as she tries to find out what really happened. An interesting book with a lot of tech details.
Readership - adventure - realistic fiction - technology and computers - family relationships
Tiger’s Curse, by Colleen Houck
A great read! Somehow links up Indian supernatural folklore, modern-day youth issues, romance and a road-trip adventure story. The main character, Kelsey gets a job at the circus, but what happens from then on is an intercontinental adventure story covering centuries of Indian supernatural folk tales. Must be read to be believed.
Readership - adventure - romance - first of a series
Department 19, by Will Hill
The first in a series of youth adventure stories, loosely - really loosely! - based on the Dracula folk story. After a family tragedy, Jamie gets involved in Department 19, a secret British government agency whose sole task is to eradicate vampires that threaten the world. The action in this book was breathtaking, but it is not for the fain-hearted. Be ready for lots of blood and a story that isn’t candy-coated.
Readership - vampires - thriller - youth heroes - blood and guts
Frank Einstein and the antimatter motor, by Jon Scieszka
I had great fun reading this book and the illustrations made the whole experience even funnier. The book was designed to make science and technology fun, so if you like to tinker with motors and robots and want a great laugh along the way, then this story is for you. The main character, Frank Einstein (get it?) is a kid-genius, but not everything goes his way, especially when his archival comes along.
Readership - science and tech - funny, quick read - robots and design plans
Last days in Eden, by Ann Kelley
Occasionally, just occasionally, a book comes along that I cannot put down. This is one of them. Set in the future, after environmental catastrophes have destroyed much of the planet, Rice Lords rule what’s left of the land, forcing the population to work as slaves. It’s a battle for survival and Flora, the novel’s main character, suffers a series of losses until she is forced to look after herself. Set against a background of trouble and revolution, the book charts her relationships, challenges and personal battles. I can only recommend this fantastic book.
Readership - teenagers and family - adventure - dystopian literature
The Road of Bones, by Anne Fine
This is a magnificent dystopian novel by Anne Fine. It takes place in a parallel version of Russia and depicts life under a totalitarian regime where neighbours denounce neighbours and families are ripped apart my deceit and fear. I read this book in a day and could not put it down. I recommend it to you.
Readership - adventure - dystopian societies - family and friendships
Johnny Delgado: like father, like son, by Kevin Brooks
The realistic novel, set in the council estates of England is a hard-hitting read, and not for the fainthearted. It deals with gangland crime, drugs and broken relationships. The main character, Johnny, is on a personal mission to find out who was behind the death of his father and will stop at nothing to find the truth.
Readership - older teens - realistic life situations - gangland culture - adventure - thriller
Half my Facebook friends are ferrets, by J.A. Buckle
This humorous and engaging read follows Josh as he tries to be cooler than he really is. Anyone who has ever been a teenager or at school can see the funny side of this compellingly lighthearted book. Join Josh and his assortment of nerd and geek friends as they try to make it through to adulthood in one piece.
Readership - any age - funny story - the lighter side of life - great writing
Night Runner, by Tim Bowler
Another hard-hitting realistic novel about street life in Britain. Zinny’s life is falling apart and when his mum ends up in hospital, there is no one to protect him. He is pulled between competing gangs and the final chapters are explosive. Well worth reading.
Readership - teens - gangs - realistic fiction - family drama
City of Halves, by Lucy Inglis
An unusual story that is interesting and very well written, about a parallel world in and around the streets of London. This is a thrilling urban fantasy and may appeal to more discerning fans of the Twilight books.
Readership - old teens - romantic thriller - the supernatural - parallel worlds
An English boy in New York, by T. S. Easton
A laugh a minute in this engaging and hilarious read. Join Ben - and his knitting needles - on a quirky adventure to New York. You’ll enjoy this book if you are looking for a funny and entertaining style. It is lighthearted and well written. Just what you need for a lazy weekend.
Readership - any age - quirky humour - very British
Ferrals - The swarm descends, byJacob Grey
This is the next in the series of the Ferrals books and takes up where the first book finished. The threat is now from the Mother of the Flies and the adventure begins again for Caw and his crow friends. You’ll have to suspend disbelief to enjoy this great novel, but it’s well worth it, as the book builds in pace and excitement right to the last page. Really enjoyed this one!
Readership - any age - adventure - supernatural - great, tight writing
The Vampire Fighters, by Pete Johnson
A fun read, that is enjoyable and not too taxing. Be ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ‘fact’ that Marcus is half-vampire. Read about how Marcus and his friends try to track down the evil Blood Ghost.
Readership - any age - funny story - loosely based on vampires
I enjoyed this story because it is partially set in my home city, Newcastle. However the story starts far away in Los Angeles, when Santiago’s dream of playing Premiership soccer comes true. If you enjoy the English national game and want to read about aspirations, dreams and the realities that come with them, this book is for you.
Readership - sport - adventure
Trash, by Andy Mulligan
Two boys living in an unnamed third world slum city, find a bag that will change their lives. This fantastic adventure story is a tale of the haves and the have-nots, and what it means to be caught up in the high-stakes world of government corruption.
Readership - adventure
Crewel, by Gennifer Albin
Not the best written book in the world, but the central theme and the setting are enough to make this an interesting read. It reminded me of The Giver and is also a dystopian novel. The main character, Adelice, has a secret power and once the government find out, her life is under threat.
Readership - dystopian - adventure
Martian, by Andy Weir
This book companies the movie of the same name, starring Matt Damon. It is written from the point of view of the main character, an astronaut who has been stranded on Mars after a mission goes wrong. The style is both full of jargon and scientific information, but all very humorous. This gives us a real insight into the terrible situation the astronaut finds himself in and the life-or-death reality that face him every day. Will he survive? Will his rescuers get to Mars on time?
Readership - adventure - thriller - space exploration - technology
Captain, by Sam Angus
Set during the First World War, this work of fiction follows a boy, Billy, who has lied about his age to get into the British Army. He ships out first to Alexandria in Egypt and then to Gallipoli to face Turkish forces. In Alexandria, Billy meets another boy, nicknamed Captain, and his donkey, Hey-Ho. What follows is a moving and exciting adventure story set against a backdrop of the horrors of war.
Readership - adventure - friendships - war stories - historical fiction
Memoirs of a neurotic zombie, by Jeff Norton
Adam is a normal boy, apart from one thing. He actually died and came back to life as a zombie. Written in a light-hearted and humorous style this 250 page book in larger print will delight anyone looking for a good weekend read. The author writes in a clever and witty style and the main character is full of life (even though - technically - he’s dead!).
Readership - zombies - funny story - lighthearted read
Hacker, by Malorie Blackman
Victoria Gibson is something of a computer geek, who is accused of cheating in a school exam (when in fact, she was just using her brain!). Things get worse when her father is accused of stealing from the bank where he works. But the facts don’t add up and what follows is an exciting story that follows Vicky as she tries to find out what really happened. An interesting book with a lot of tech details.
Readership - adventure - realistic fiction - technology and computers - family relationships
Tiger’s Curse, by Colleen Houck
A great read! Somehow links up Indian supernatural folklore, modern-day youth issues, romance and a road-trip adventure story. The main character, Kelsey gets a job at the circus, but what happens from then on is an intercontinental adventure story covering centuries of Indian supernatural folk tales. Must be read to be believed.
Readership - adventure - romance - first of a series
Department 19, by Will Hill
The first in a series of youth adventure stories, loosely - really loosely! - based on the Dracula folk story. After a family tragedy, Jamie gets involved in Department 19, a secret British government agency whose sole task is to eradicate vampires that threaten the world. The action in this book was breathtaking, but it is not for the fain-hearted. Be ready for lots of blood and a story that isn’t candy-coated.
Readership - vampires - thriller - youth heroes - blood and guts
Frank Einstein and the antimatter motor, by Jon Scieszka
I had great fun reading this book and the illustrations made the whole experience even funnier. The book was designed to make science and technology fun, so if you like to tinker with motors and robots and want a great laugh along the way, then this story is for you. The main character, Frank Einstein (get it?) is a kid-genius, but not everything goes his way, especially when his archival comes along.
Readership - science and tech - funny, quick read - robots and design plans
Last days in Eden, by Ann Kelley
Occasionally, just occasionally, a book comes along that I cannot put down. This is one of them. Set in the future, after environmental catastrophes have destroyed much of the planet, Rice Lords rule what’s left of the land, forcing the population to work as slaves. It’s a battle for survival and Flora, the novel’s main character, suffers a series of losses until she is forced to look after herself. Set against a background of trouble and revolution, the book charts her relationships, challenges and personal battles. I can only recommend this fantastic book.
Readership - teenagers and family - adventure - dystopian literature
The Road of Bones, by Anne Fine
This is a magnificent dystopian novel by Anne Fine. It takes place in a parallel version of Russia and depicts life under a totalitarian regime where neighbours denounce neighbours and families are ripped apart my deceit and fear. I read this book in a day and could not put it down. I recommend it to you.
Readership - adventure - dystopian societies - family and friendships
Johnny Delgado: like father, like son, by Kevin Brooks
The realistic novel, set in the council estates of England is a hard-hitting read, and not for the fainthearted. It deals with gangland crime, drugs and broken relationships. The main character, Johnny, is on a personal mission to find out who was behind the death of his father and will stop at nothing to find the truth.
Readership - older teens - realistic life situations - gangland culture - adventure - thriller
Half my Facebook friends are ferrets, by J.A. Buckle
This humorous and engaging read follows Josh as he tries to be cooler than he really is. Anyone who has ever been a teenager or at school can see the funny side of this compellingly lighthearted book. Join Josh and his assortment of nerd and geek friends as they try to make it through to adulthood in one piece.
Readership - any age - funny story - the lighter side of life - great writing
Night Runner, by Tim Bowler
Another hard-hitting realistic novel about street life in Britain. Zinny’s life is falling apart and when his mum ends up in hospital, there is no one to protect him. He is pulled between competing gangs and the final chapters are explosive. Well worth reading.
Readership - teens - gangs - realistic fiction - family drama
City of Halves, by Lucy Inglis
An unusual story that is interesting and very well written, about a parallel world in and around the streets of London. This is a thrilling urban fantasy and may appeal to more discerning fans of the Twilight books.
Readership - old teens - romantic thriller - the supernatural - parallel worlds
An English boy in New York, by T. S. Easton
A laugh a minute in this engaging and hilarious read. Join Ben - and his knitting needles - on a quirky adventure to New York. You’ll enjoy this book if you are looking for a funny and entertaining style. It is lighthearted and well written. Just what you need for a lazy weekend.
Readership - any age - quirky humour - very British
Ferrals - The swarm descends, byJacob Grey
This is the next in the series of the Ferrals books and takes up where the first book finished. The threat is now from the Mother of the Flies and the adventure begins again for Caw and his crow friends. You’ll have to suspend disbelief to enjoy this great novel, but it’s well worth it, as the book builds in pace and excitement right to the last page. Really enjoyed this one!
Readership - any age - adventure - supernatural - great, tight writing
The Vampire Fighters, by Pete Johnson
A fun read, that is enjoyable and not too taxing. Be ready to suspend disbelief and enjoy the ‘fact’ that Marcus is half-vampire. Read about how Marcus and his friends try to track down the evil Blood Ghost.
Readership - any age - funny story - loosely based on vampires
The Literacy Link - Reading activities as a mechanism to strengthen family engagement
Published in ILA Literacy Today magazine, July/August 2017
| reading_activities_-_family_engagement.pdf |
