Reading Essentials.R. Routman. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann, 2003. 221 pp. $25.00. Regie Routman has written yet another inspiring, thoughtful book that challenges many current practices in reading instruction. In this book the author of numerous widely acclaimed ac·claim v. ac·claimed, ac·claim·ing, ac·claims v.tr. 1. To praise enthusiastically and often publicly; applaud. See Synonyms at praise. 2. titles on literacy offers educators valuable advice and tools for proactive literacy teaching. One of Routman's major convictions is that administrators and teachers must focus less on programs and systems and more on procedures and comprehension. Ultimately, she maintains, teachers must bond with their students and create joy in their classrooms and for learning itself. Routman de-emphasizes the roles of isolated phonics phonics Method of reading instruction that breaks language down into its simplest components. Children learn the sounds of individual letters first, then the sounds of letters in combination and in simple words. and phonemic awareness Phonemic Awareness is a subset of phonological awareness in which listeners are able to distinguish phonemes, the smallest units of sound that can differentiate meaning. For example, a listener with phonemic awareness can break the word "Cat" into three separate phonemes: /k/, /a/, instruction, while focusing on writing and reading integration, home cultures and language, and students' access to books. Containing 12 chapters, this text exudes humanism humanism, philosophical and literary movement in which man and his capabilities are the central concern. The term was originally restricted to a point of view prevalent among thinkers in the Renaissance. and the highest regard for the students' and the teachers' well-being. Other chapters abound with practical information and fascinating examples and include, for example, "Teach With a Sense of Urgency," "Organize an Outstanding Classroom Library," "Teach Comprehension," and "Examine Guided Reading Guided reading is a method of teaching reading to children. It forms part of the National Literacy Strategy for England and Wales and is therefore a preferred approach employed within primary schools. Guided Reading sessions involve a teacher and a group of around six children. ." The text concludes with a touching account of Routman's experiences with her father, who recently suffered a stroke. Little by little, surrounded by encouragement, support, and love, Routman's father responded to treatment and kind attention. She recommends that readers benefit from the lesson that this experience reinforced: Celebrate small achievements, care deeply about each and every student, enrich one's own life, and enjoy. Reviewed by Susan Trostle Brand, Professor, University of Rhode Island History The University was first chartered as the state's agricultural school in 1888. The site of the school was originally the Oliver Watson Farm, and the original farmhouse still lies on the campus today. , Kingston |
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