Key Takeaways
1. Reading is a complex skill that transforms lives and societies
Once you learn to read, you will be forever free.
Reading's transformative power. Throughout history, reading has been a catalyst for personal and societal change. From ancient Sumerian clay tablets to modern digital screens, the ability to decode written language has opened doors to knowledge, imagination, and opportunity. Reading is not just a skill, but a gateway to:
- Personal growth and empowerment
- Access to information and education
- Cultural understanding and empathy
- Critical thinking and decision-making abilities
- Economic opportunities and social mobility
Historical significance. The development of reading has paralleled human progress:
- 3400-3300 BCE: Sumerian cuneiform and Egyptian hieroglyphs emerge
- 1450 CE: Gutenberg's printing press revolutionizes access to books
- 19th-20th centuries: Mass literacy movements transform societies
- 21st century: Digital revolution challenges and expands reading practices
2. The science of reading reveals its complexity and importance
Reading is no passive, static act of merely receiving information. What the author conveys in the text matters, but just as crucial to what is read and understood relates to what the reader brings to the text.
Cognitive processes. Reading engages multiple brain regions and cognitive functions simultaneously:
- Visual processing of symbols
- Phonological awareness and decoding
- Word recognition and vocabulary retrieval
- Syntactic parsing and semantic integration
- Working memory and attention
Eye movements. Research on eye movements during reading reveals:
- Saccades: Quick jumpy movements (20-40 milliseconds)
- Fixations: Brief pauses on individual words (200-250 milliseconds)
- Regressions: Backward movements to reread or clarify
Understanding these processes helps teachers tailor instruction and interventions to support struggling readers and enhance the skills of all students.
3. Phonics instruction is crucial for early reading development
Phonics is the method of instruction that explicitly teaches pupils to map sounds (phonemes) on to their corresponding letters (graphemes).
Systematic approach. Effective phonics instruction:
- Teaches the 44 phonemes of the English language systematically
- Focuses on blending sounds to read words and segmenting words into sounds for spelling
- Progresses from simple to complex sound-letter relationships
Benefits and debates. While phonics instruction has been controversial, research supports its effectiveness:
- Helps children crack the alphabetic code
- Particularly crucial for struggling readers
- Should be combined with other literacy components (vocabulary, comprehension, fluency)
Teachers need to be well-trained in phonics instruction to provide effective support, especially in the early years of schooling.
4. Reading fluency goes beyond speed to encompass expression and comprehension
We are better off with concentrating on the relatively slow, deliberate process of reading for meaning and to understand the subtle difference between reading speedily and reading with fluency.
Multidimensional fluency. True reading fluency involves:
- Accuracy: Correctly identifying words
- Rate: Reading at an appropriate pace
- Prosody: Using appropriate expression and phrasing
- Comprehension: Understanding what is being read
Developing fluency. Strategies to improve fluency include:
- Repeated reading of texts
- Modeling fluent reading
- Paired reading and choral reading
- Focus on phrasing and punctuation
Fluency acts as a bridge between word recognition and comprehension, allowing readers to focus on meaning rather than decoding.
5. Comprehension requires active engagement and background knowledge
To grasp the words on a page we have to know a lot of information that isn't set down on a page.
Mental model building. Effective comprehension involves:
- Activating prior knowledge
- Making inferences and connections
- Monitoring understanding
- Visualizing and organizing information
Background knowledge. The importance of background knowledge in comprehension:
- Helps readers fill gaps in texts
- Allows for deeper understanding and analysis
- Varies across subjects and topics, affecting comprehension
Strategies for enhancing comprehension:
- Teaching explicit comprehension strategies (e.g., questioning, summarizing)
- Building vocabulary and background knowledge across subjects
- Encouraging active reading through note-taking and discussion
- Using graphic organizers to visualize relationships between ideas
6. Different subjects demand unique reading approaches and strategies
By paying attention to the specialised ways of reading, knowing and doing, in each subject discipline, we can recognise that there are both general reading skills and subject-specialist strategies that our pupils need to develop.
Disciplinary literacy. Each subject area has its own:
- Specialized vocabulary and terminology
- Text structures and genres
- Reading strategies and approaches
Examples of subject-specific reading:
- History: Sourcing, contextualizing, and corroborating documents
- Science: Interpreting diagrams, graphs, and technical language
- Mathematics: Decoding symbols and understanding abstract concepts
- Literature: Analyzing literary devices and making interpretations
Teachers across all subjects should be trained in disciplinary literacy to support students in navigating subject-specific texts effectively.
7. Addressing reading barriers requires targeted interventions and support
Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that primarily affects the skills involved in accurate and fluent word reading and spelling.
Common reading barriers:
- Dyslexia: Difficulty with phonological processing and word recognition
- Poor comprehenders: Struggle with understanding despite adequate decoding
- Limited vocabulary and background knowledge
- Motivational issues and negative attitudes towards reading
Interventions and support:
- Early identification and assessment of reading difficulties
- Targeted phonics instruction for dyslexic readers
- Explicit teaching of comprehension strategies
- Building vocabulary and background knowledge
- Addressing motivational issues through engaging texts and supportive environments
A "simple view of reading" model can help teachers diagnose specific reading issues and tailor interventions accordingly.
8. Creating a reading culture is essential for fostering lifelong readers
Reading habitually and seeing reading as a pleasurable, fulfilling and motivating activity matters.
Elements of a reading culture:
- Access to diverse, high-quality texts
- Dedicated time for reading in school
- Teacher modeling of reading habits and enthusiasm
- Parental involvement and support
- Celebration of reading achievements
Strategies for building a reading culture:
- Investing in school libraries and classroom book collections
- Implementing regular reading times (e.g., DEAR - Drop Everything And Read)
- Hosting author visits and book events
- Connecting reading to students' interests and experiences
- Promoting reading across all subjects, not just in language arts
By fostering a love of reading, schools can help students develop a lifelong habit that will continue to benefit them academically, professionally, and personally.
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FAQ
What's Closing the Reading Gap about?
- Focus on Reading Skills: Closing the Reading Gap by Alex Quigley delves into the essential skills and knowledge teachers need to effectively teach reading, covering decoding, comprehension, and practical strategies.
- Addressing the Reading Gap: The book examines the persistent reading gap in classrooms, influenced by socioeconomic factors and teaching practices, and offers evidence-informed tools to help close this gap.
- Nurturing a Reading Culture: It advocates for creating a rich reading culture in schools, encouraging students to read for pleasure and purpose, and fostering a love for reading.
Why should I read Closing the Reading Gap?
- Practical Strategies for Teachers: The book is filled with actionable strategies for improving reading outcomes, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced educators.
- Research-Informed Insights: Quigley synthesizes current research on reading, making complex concepts accessible and helping teachers understand how children develop as readers.
- Addressing Diverse Needs: It tackles various reading challenges, including dyslexia and the role of technology, equipping teachers to support all students effectively.
What are the key takeaways of Closing the Reading Gap?
- Understanding Reading Complexity: Reading is a complex skill requiring explicit instruction in phonics, fluency, and comprehension, with teachers needing to recognize these intricacies.
- Importance of Background Knowledge: Background knowledge significantly impacts reading comprehension, as students need to connect new information to what they already know.
- Metacognition in Reading: The book stresses the importance of metacognitive strategies, encouraging students to think about their own thinking to enhance comprehension and engagement.
What are the best quotes from Closing the Reading Gap and what do they mean?
- “Reading proves the master skill of school.”: This quote underscores the foundational role of reading in academic success, suggesting that proficiency in reading is crucial for accessing all areas of the curriculum.
- “We are better off with concentrating on the relatively slow, deliberate process of reading for meaning.”: Quigley advocates for a focus on comprehension over speed, encouraging deep engagement with texts.
- “The reading gap emerges early, before pupils attend school.”: This highlights the importance of early literacy experiences and suggests that interventions should begin before formal schooling.
How does Closing the Reading Gap address dyslexia?
- Understanding Dyslexia: Quigley explains dyslexia as a phonological deficit affecting reading fluency and comprehension, emphasizing the need for early identification and intervention.
- Strategies for Support: The book provides practical strategies for teaching dyslexic students, including structured phonics instruction and comprehension monitoring.
- Importance of Teacher Knowledge: Teachers must be knowledgeable about dyslexia and its impact on learning to provide effective support tailored to individual needs.
What role does metacognition play in reading according to Closing the Reading Gap?
- Active Reading Process: Metacognition involves being aware of one’s own thinking while reading, with skilled readers constantly monitoring their understanding and adjusting strategies.
- Improving Comprehension: Teaching students to be metacognitive can help them become more strategic readers, leading to better comprehension and retention of information.
- Modeling Metacognitive Strategies: The book encourages teachers to model metacognitive strategies, such as asking questions and summarizing, to enhance understanding.
What specific methods does Closing the Reading Gap recommend for teaching reading?
- Response to Intervention Model: This model includes three waves of support: whole-class teaching, small-group interventions, and individual, intensive interventions to address struggling readers' needs.
- Close Reading Strategies: Quigley advocates for close reading strategies that involve analyzing language, structure, and meaning to enhance comprehension.
- Reciprocal Teaching: This method involves students taking turns to lead discussions about the text, fostering collaborative learning and improving comprehension.
How can I create a reading-rich culture in my classroom according to Closing the Reading Gap?
- Prioritize Library Access: A well-resourced school library integrated into the curriculum is essential, with regular visits as part of classroom instruction.
- Model Reading Behavior: Teachers should model their own reading habits and share their enthusiasm for books to inspire students.
- Engage Parents: Involving parents in their children's reading journey by providing resources and strategies can enhance students' reading experiences.
What are the 'arduous eight' factors mentioned in Closing the Reading Gap?
- Text Complexity: The 'arduous eight' are factors contributing to text complexity, such as vocabulary, sentence structure, and background knowledge, which can hinder comprehension.
- Importance for Teachers: Understanding these factors helps teachers select appropriate texts and tailor instruction to meet students' needs.
- Application in the Classroom: Educators are encouraged to consider these factors when planning lessons and selecting reading materials to support students in overcoming reading challenges.
What are some practical strategies for teachers mentioned in Closing the Reading Gap?
- Use of ‘Goldilocks Books’: Quigley introduces ‘Goldilocks books’—texts that are not too hard or too easy, ensuring students are appropriately challenged and engaged.
- Reciprocal Reading: This approach involves students taking on roles like predictor and summarizer, enhancing comprehension and engagement.
- Graphic Organizers: Using graphic organizers helps students visualize and organize their thoughts while reading, aiding comprehension and retention.
How does Closing the Reading Gap address the issue of reading comprehension in older students?
- Complex Texts: Older students often face more complex texts requiring a higher level of background knowledge, with teachers needing to support this development.
- Strategies for Engagement: Strategies like questioning and discussion engage older students with texts, helping them make connections and deepen understanding.
- Monitoring Comprehension: Teaching students to monitor their comprehension includes recognizing when they do not understand and employing strategies to address gaps in knowledge.
Review Summary
Closing the Reading Gap receives high praise from educators and parents alike. Reviewers appreciate its practical strategies, historical context, and scientific approach to teaching reading. Many find it essential for understanding and addressing reading difficulties across all subjects. While some critics note it lacks depth in certain areas, most agree it's an invaluable resource for teachers aiming to improve reading outcomes. The book's accessibility and comprehensive overview of reading education make it a highly recommended read for both new and experienced educators.
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