Transforming Reading Skills in the Secondary School : Simple strategies for improving literacy

Suitable for anyone wanting to develop the reading skills of secondary pupils who struggle, this accessible resource offers practical advice and activities. It explores a variety of different aspects of reading: how reading is taught, why it is such an important skill for the individual, how to motivate the reluctant reader, the role played by the mainstream & specialist teacher, underlying problems pupils may face, how to increase parental involvement, reasons why a pupil’s comprehension might be limited, the role of the School Librarian and the relevance to reading of vocabulary and general knowledge. Also included is generic lesson plans for class or group reading development lessons.

Transforming Reading Skills in the Secondary School is a commonsense text designed to help practitioners working in a mainstream context. The book suggests ways to develop the underlying skills necessary for good reading through multiple pathways such as mainstream subject lessons, individual and small group support sessions, whole school initiatives, the use of reading mentors and home-school liaison opportunities. Brimming with ideas and activities, Pat Guy explores a variety of different aspects of reading, including:

• how reading is taught and why it is such an important skill for the individual
• how to motivate the reluctant reader
• the role played by the mainstream & specialist teacher
• underlying problems pupils may face
• how to increase parental involvement
• reasons why a pupil’s comprehension might be limited
• the role of the School Librarian
• the relevance to reading of vocabulary and general knowledge.

Anyone wanting to develop the reading skills of secondary pupils who struggle will find this a resource they return to time and time again.