Creative Ways to Teach Literacy
Ideas for Children aged 3 to 11
- Virginia Bower - Canterbury Christ Church University, UK
Covering the essential areas of practice, this book suggests ways to make your literacy teaching as creative and engaging as possible. Children get the most out of their learning when it is exciting, and this book offers great ideas for classroom practice, while making careful links to research.
Sections advise on teaching narrative, poetry and non-fiction, and each chapter contains case studies and ideas to try out in practice. The authors cover a broad range of topics, including:
- Exploring traditional tales
- Writing from experience
- Using playground games as a foundation for literacy
- Performing poetry
Written for teachers working with children aged 3-11 years, and specifically aimed at those with responsibility for literacy, this book gives you the opportunity to develop children's literacy in enjoyable and interesting ways.
'It is pleasing to see this book, written by experienced primary practitioners, offering imaginative, practical ideas all of which are underpinned by sound learning theory. All primary teachers can benefit from the excellent examples of effective primary practice described' -
Prue Goodwin, Lecturer in Literacy and Children's Books
'Covering topics ranging from: exploiting opportunities to write from experience, to poetry slamming in the classroom, to 'harnessing the potential of new technologies' (Green 2011, pp. 70) the chapters provide the detail required for immediate classroom transfer, including references to relevant children's books, websites and free teacher resources. However, read as a collection, the practice discussed provides more than a collection of creative ideas: many common messages and themes are revisited across the case studies meaning that readers potentially derive insight into the nature and principles of effective literacy instruction.'
This book provides useful background, case studies and ideas to try out in the classroom. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on traditional tales, and referenced it to my students as we explored the value of traditional tales in KS1. It provided an excellent base to promote discussion and develop unit plans in preparation for their KS1 school experience.
This contains some really insightful chapters. I found Bower's chapter particularly enlightening and have recommended it to various trainees currently doing their independent studies.
A good resource that combines practical teaching ideas with relevant theoretical perspectives.
Not as strong as some other books in this field, of which there any many.
an easy read book for great ideas of how to create a more interactive and fun literacy hour. A must for level 3 students within the childcare sector
Very practical
This book says exactly what it is on the cover. So it is really aimed at the specific role of supporting literacy. If this is what you are supporting students with then perfect but only if that is an area they are developing.
very useful for teacher training with specific information at this level. Good supporting text
