Think like a Reading Teacher: Foundations for Structured Literacy in Grades K-5 provides a research-based, classroom-tested framework to teach literacy with precision, confidence, and lasting impact. Unlike other books that focus on one piece of the literacy puzzle, this book equips educators with the full system—from structured literacy instruction to data-driven teaching and student motivation—ensuring that every child becomes a successful reader.
The book integrates the following reading strategies:
· The Science of Reading – Research-backed strategies for phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
· Structured Literacy – How to teach reading explicitly and systematically so that all students succeed.
· Data-Driven Teaching – How to use reading assessments to adjust instruction in real time, ensuring struggling readers don’t slip through the cracks.
· Student Engagement & Motivation – Proven strategies to create classrooms where students love reading and develop lifelong literacy skills.
Building on decades of literacy research and practical, actionable strategies, this book equips educators with both the research knowledge and teaching expertise needed to transform reading instruction in their classrooms. Each chapter includes reflective questions that guide teachers to apply the strategies discussed to their own classrooms. These questions encourage educators to consider how they can implement real-time adjustments based on their own assessment data, helping them to personalize instruction and maximize impact.
At its core, this book is built on the belief that every child can learn to read when teachers think like readers who are curious, reflective, and responsive to every learner.
This is a key text for undergraduate and graduate courses in elementary education and a practical resource for all K–5 teachers committed to strengthening reading instruction.
Table of Contents:
Part 1: Foundations of Literacy Instruction 1. The Mindset of a Reading Teacher – Thinking Beyond the Textbook 2. The IRIS-L™ Model - A Framework for Struggling Readers in Grades 4-8 3. The Science of Reading - What Every Teacher Must Know Part 2: Essential Instructional Strategies 4. Structured Literacy - Teaching with Precision and Purpose 5. Data-Driven Teaching - Using Assessment to Strengthen Instruction Part 3: The Pillars of Effective Reading Instruction 6. Phonemic Awareness - Developing the Ear for Language 7. Phonics - Decoding Words with Confidence 8. Fluency – The Bridge Between Decoding and Comprehension 9. Vocabulary - Expanding Language for Reading and Thinking 10. Comprehension - Unlocking Meaning and Understanding in Texts Part 4: Transforming Literacy Instruction in Practice 11. Technology and Literacy - Using Digital Tools to Enhance Reading Instruction 12. Creating a Literacy-Rich Classroom - Classroom Management for Reading Success 13. Reflecting on Reading Instruction - Lessons Learned and Questions for Growth Part 5: Teaching All Learners 14. Teaching Reading in Diverse Classrooms - Meeting the Needs of Every Student 15. Becoming an Expert Reading Teacher - Lifelong Growth and Professional Development 16. Bridging Reading and Writing Instruction - Strengthening Literacy Through an Integrated Approach 17. Motivation and Engagement in Reading - How to Foster a Lifelong Love of Literacy 18. Partnering with Families and Communities - Strengthening Literacy Beyond the Classroom
About the Author :
Dr. Andrea Carter-Robin, Ed.D., is an award-winning children’s book author, literacy thought leader, and former K–12 educator with more than twenty years of experience across diverse educational settings. Her background includes roles in Milwaukee Public Schools, Cleveland Municipal School District, Champaign Unit 4 Schools, and Oberlin City Schools. As founder of Mosaic International School in Nigeria, she continues to advance literacy for underserved students through her Readism™ and IRIS-L™ frameworks.
Dr. Kennedy Maranga, PhD, has taught in higher education for over 20 years, serving as Professor, Program Director, and Director of Education and Research at institutions including St. Thomas University, and the American College of Education, with extensive experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership.
