Sage Publications Developing Literacy in the Primary Classroom

Primary literacy involves many different learning processes, which can make it challenging to teach, particularly in diverse classroom environments.   Combining an examination of theory and research with practical case studies and real examples of teaching practice, this book shows trainee and early career teachers how to engage and motivate children to develop a range of primary English skills.   Chapters incorporate broader aspects of primary teaching such as active learning, self-regulation and assessment, and activities and discussion points explore how to apply important principles to your own teaching.   Drawing from international research and aware of policy developments in different countries, the book covers key topics on primary teacher education courses, including: The foundations of reading, writing and oracy skills Planning, assessment and classroom organisation Using new technologies and social media as tools for learning Engaging with the literacy needs of diverse learners. This is essential reading for students on university-based and school-based courses preparing to teach in primary education, and early career teachers seeking to continue their professional learning.      Dr Gary Woolley is senior lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Review ′Gary Woolley’s new book gives us a comprehensive overview of what we mean by both literacy and literacies in our modern world. It is thoroughly researched and offers student and practising teachers, and those working in Higher Education, a balanced and informed overview of the theory behind our present teaching practices.′ -- Howard Cotton ′This important book is highly relevant for an international audience. What makes Gary Woolley a ‘must read’ author is his unique ability to combine a socio-cultural perspective on literacy with extremely sound practical advice on how to actually intervene and teach reading beyond the beginning stages.′  Peter Westwood, Education Consultant and Author   ′It is not easy to marry the basic tenets of the socio-cultural view of literacy with the implementation of research-based teaching methods … but Woolley has managed to do this very successfully. This book is an important and comprehensive contribution to the field.′ Peter Westwood, Education Consultant and Author   ′Highly recommended. The author has left no stone unturned in this extremely comprehensive exploration of how best to develop students’ literacy skills. Beginning teachers, and those with experience, will find much here to influence their positive thinking and their classroom practices. A truly 21st century perspective.′ Peter Westwood, Education Consultant and Author -- Peter Westwood ′Highly recommended. The author has left no stone unturned in this extremely comprehensive exploration of how best to develop students’ literacy skills. Beginning teachers, and those with experience, will find much here to influence their positive thinking and their classroom practices. A truly 21 st century perspective.′ -- Peter Westwood ′Dr Gary Woolley is a leading contemporary writer and researcher in the domain of literacy education.  His new book Developing Literacy in the Primary Classroom is a comprehensive overview on the critical topics all teachers need to understand and apply to be effective literacy educators.  Effective literacy practices are multidimensional and require classroom teachers to have both the content knowledge associated with literacy and the pedagogical knowledge about how to teach literacy.  That is, teachers need to  know and understand what is literacy, how students’ learn and advance in their literacy skills, and how to direct, structure, monitor and adapt their literacy instructions and practices, as required for different purposes. Dr Woolley’s book Developing Literacy in the Primary Classroom is strongly focussed on developing teachers’ pedagogical knowledge across the different elements of