Teaching Children to Read in Diverse Communities

By Timothy Blair, Ph.D., University of Central Florida The primary purpose of this new text is to help prepare teachers to teach reading in today's culturally diverse classrooms in a practical, reflective format. Today's teachers of reading must not only believe in their professional abilities to foster student learning through scientifically-based reading strategies, they must also take into account the growing body of knowledge on student diversity, including Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students, and the increasing number of children living under the poverty line. The text clearly presents the latest information on effective reading strategies emanating from the National Reading Panel and on providing 'culturally responsive instruction' in today's classrooms. Cultural differences influence classroom reading instruction and the performance of all students. Teachers need to understand diversity and to develop a teaching style that respects, celebrates, and capitalizes on the strengths of all students. Practical chapters on delivering differentiated instruction in the major areas of teaching reading are presented, including a separate chapter on parent involvement.