Discovering What Works for Struggling Readers: Journeys of Exploration with Primary-grade Students (Kids Insight)

“Mrs. Wesley, I did it! I did it!” (Joshua, first-grade student) As a teacher, you know the excitement of sharing those life-changing moments with your students when they comprehend the previously unknown. This book follows the yearlong journeys of three reading teachers who discovered the challenges and rewards that come with addressing the needs of struggling readers. As the authors share their insights, you’ll come to learn that good teaching requires not only knowing your craft but also knowing your students. The chapters focus on the five teaching principles that the authors consistently found to be effective with all their students—meaningful conversation, choice, pertinent instruction, consistent support, and purpose—and came to call “points of action.” The chapters recount the individual struggles and successes of three students as they become readers, specifically illustrating the points of action and how critical they are to successful reading instruction. The final chapter offers additional ideas that you can use to bring the points of action into your own classroom. The many classroom vignettes and excerpts of student dialogue throughout the chapters bring the students’ voices to the forefront. Plus, Reflection Points are included to provoke thought and discussion among you and your colleagues. All students have their own unique stories from which you can learn. So join the authors on their journeys, and let this book lead you to your own discoveries.