Teaching Literacy

Engaging the Imagination of New Readers and Writers

'Focuses on enhancing students' metalinguistic awareness and not just their intuitive use of words, fostering the development of higher mental functions' - Elena Bodrova, Senior Researcher, McREL

For teachers charged with the great responsibility of helping students achieve basic literacy, delivering instruction in stimulating and engaging ways is not an ideal - it's a necessity. Recognizing this, award-winning author and teacher Kieran Egan puts the fun in fundamentals of literacy by helping teachers stir students' imagination and emotions.

In Teaching Literacy, Egan rejects the notion that familiar ideas and experiences are the best vehicles for effective instruction. Instead, he champions a new approach that focuses on teaching core literacy skills using concepts ranging from fascinating to exotic to magnificent to weird. By framing the elements of literacy in the unforgettable, students more readily retain material, not only preparing them for tests, but also instilling a lifelong love of reading and writing.

This innovative resource supplies answers to the question, "But how do I do it?" by offering:

o Tried-and-tested activities from practising classroom teachers

o "Teachers, Try It Out" features with teaching challenges (and an appendix of possible responses) for everyday classroom practice

o Step-by-step planning frameworks for designing and delivering engaging literacy instruction

Combining playfulness with practicality and creativity with common sense, Egan's strategies apply to beginning readers at any age, bringing about authentic, enjoyable learning experiences.