Are you interested in learning more about the Science of Reading? Over the past 3 years, I have researched all about the Science of Reading and shared a lot of what I've learned on my blog through using engaging and fun activities. I compiled a list of books that I've read that have helped me better understand all the research behind the Science of Reading. Today, I am sharing 6 Science of Reading books that I have read, so you can successfully implement these practices in your classroom.
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A Fresh Look at Phonics by Wiley Blevins
If you are brand new to structured literacy and teaching phonics, then this is a MUST READ! I have read through the entire book at least three times, and I constantly refer to it when writing blog posts about phonics instruction. The author breaks down phonics instruction in an easy to understand format and gives very specific examples of the different skills you will teach. There are so many simple activity ideas that you can easily add to your phonics lesson. My favorite section is where he talks about different mistakes teachers make, and how to avoid them. This is a great starting point on your journey to implementing the science of reading in your classroom. Find it here.
Shifting the Balance by Jan Burkins and Kari Yates
If you were taught the “Balanced Literacy” approach in your college or teaching program or if your school is not open to Science of Reading based practices, then this is the book for you. It focuses on six shifts you can start practicing in your own classroom: reading comprehension, phonemic awareness, phonics, high-frequency words, 3 cueing systems, and texts for beginning readers. It debunks some of the myths we were taught to teach, and replaces them with actionable steps to take to shift to a structured literacy approach. Find it here.
Reading for Life by Lyn Stone
This Science of Reading book was one that I could not put down once I started reading it. It is an all-in-one guide that helped me bridge the gap between research and practice. I loved all the infographics that she included, along with interviews, and real-life examples. I also recommend this book to any parents who want to learn more about their child learning to read. It has very specific ways to reach out to your school and beyond to ensure your child is getting high-quality, effective reading instruction. I found it pretty easy to read and follow along, and have pages of notes to show for it! Find it here.
Speech to Print by Louisa Cook Moats
This book reads more like a textbook, than research, filled with case studies, activities, work samples, and recommended teaching principles. Honestly, this is exactly what I wished I read before I started teaching any kind of reading program. It should be required reading for any college or teaching program! The author takes you back through the history of the English language, morphology, syntax, and meaning, so you have a good background of the “why” behind the English language. It was the missing piece I needed to fully grasp the Science of Reading. I recommend reading this book once you have a solid understanding of the Science of Reading. Find it here.
Reading in the Brain: The New Science of How We Read by Stanislas Dehaene
This book was a hard read for me, but so informational! It is very science-based with a lot of high vocabulary and scientific concepts. It explains how your brain is wired to learn how to read and understand language, because as we know, “Reading IS rocket science!” It took me a long time to get through the entire book and I had to reread certain parts, but I felt like a brain surgeon after reading it. I recommend this book for teachers who want to understand more of the “why” behind learning how to read. Find it here.
Language at the Speed of Sight by Mark Seidenberg
The author of this book focused on our language development starting at birth and how we can produce better readers. He is also a neuroscientist, so the book really gets into more about the brain and our development, but I found it easier to read than Reading in the Brain. It would be a great read for anyone who wants to help students with learning disabilities or dyslexia. Find it here.
I hope these suggestions for Science of Reading books is helpful for you to continue learning more! Here are a few more blog posts that can also help: