Abstract

An essential guide for all primary trainees and teachers. The text addresses the specifics of teaching English in the early years and importantly places systematic synthetic phonics within the context of early English as a whole. It starts by examining the fundamental role of communication and language in laying the foundations for literacy development. It explores the importance of early sound discrimination, rhyme, alliteration, oral blending and oral segmentation, as well as the importance of developing children’s visual discrimination skills. The text critically examines the role of systematic synthetic phonics as an approach for teaching children to read, and its application in both reading and writing is fully covered. Other key chapters include literacy through the wider learning environment, supporting children with literacy difficulties and assessing English in the early years.

I like the way it supports developing subject knowledge in a very logical, easy to access way. I also like how it links with reading comprehension and makes use of research based evidence.

Jonathan Glazzard is responsible for primary teacher training for early years and primary courses at the University of Huddersfield. Prior to this he worked as a primary school teacher, predominantly teaching in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. He is passionate about promoting creative approaches to teaching which inspire both teacher and children.

Jane Stokoe is a Deputy Headteacher in a Barnsley primary school. She is an experienced teacher and mentor of initial teacher training students and she contributes to the primary programmes at the University of Huddersfield. She has been teaching for 35 years.

The book is clear and explains well. It does have critical questions which helps offset the 'on message' tone of it.