What's "true" within the science of reading movement?

In this special podcast for the Teaching Readers (Not Reading) book study, I discussed the first five chapters with literacy educators Belinda Whyte and Sally Rowlands.

* Belinda is a resource teacher of literacy in Aotearoa, New Zealand. (twitter)

* Sally is a retired teacher and works at the Department of Education in Tasmania.

Three questions that guided our discussion:

* How have you successfully integrated the different sciences when teaching readers?

* ​What is it about the science of reading movement that has captured people's attention? What's "true" within SoR and its narrow definition?

* ​What have you found effective for discussing these topics with colleagues that leads to productive conversations?

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Memorable quotes:

“It would be a rare child that didn’t become a better reader without engagement or building identity.”

- Belinda

“It depends on what you think reading is.”

- Sally

“Be open about what you used to know, how you changed your mind, and what you believe now.”

- Matt

After reading the first five chapters of Teaching Readers (Not Reading), as well as thinking about our questions plus the recorded conversation, what has resonated with you so far?

From November 7 through December 16, we are reading Teaching Readers (Not Reading) by Peter Afflerbach (Guilford, 2022).

In this book study, you will develop a deeper understanding of the science(s) of reading and build greater confidence in conversing about literacy instruction with teachers and other colleagues.

You can purchase the book on the publisher's website, Amazon, or wherever it is sold.

To participate, watch this space for future responses to the book. Read along, leave a comment on a future thread, and respond to others’ comments when something resonates.

Here is the suggested schedule for reading together:

* November 7 - 11: Introduction, Chapters 1-3

* November 14 - 18: Chapters 4-5

* November 21 - 25: Chapter 6

* November 28 - December 2: Chapters 7-8

* December 5 - 9: Chapters 9-10

* December 12 - 16: Chapter 11, Conclusion

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit readbyexample.substack.com