Primary English Teaching: An Introduction to Language, Literacy and Learning(Published in association with the UKLA)

This comprehensive introduction to language, literacy and learning in the primary school explores the theoretical issues that underpin pedagogical practice in the primary English language classroom in a straightforward manner, enabling readers to understand the resulting practice and curriculum offerings in English primary schools today. The contributors explore new initiatives in primary language teaching, putting these into their theoretical context, and offer practical ideas, helping students to make the bridge from studying to be a teacher, through to the beginnings of their teaching career. Diversity and aspects of special educational needs are also considered in each section of the book. This book will be essential reading both for undergraduate students of education, as well as for PGCE students.

Table of Contents:
Exploring Language and Learning - Robyn Cox PART ONE: LEARNING AND TEACHING LITERACY Oral Language - Robyn Cox Reading - Andrew Lambirth Writing - Liz Chamberlain Using Children′s Literature - Jean Webb PART TWO: ORGANIZING LEARNING AND TEACHING LITERACY Language, Literacy and ICT - Bob Fox Handwriting and Typing - Jane Medwell An Introduction to Assessing English - Jane Medwell Planning for Language Learning and Teaching in Primary School - Carrie Ansell Primary English Curriculum Perspectives - Chris Robertson

Review :
′In An Introduction to Primary English Teaching: Language, Literacy and Learning, Lecturers from the field of Initial Teacher Education have pooled their extensive practical and theoretical knowledge to provide a new ITE text book that is both comprehensive and accessible to trainee teachers. This book will make a useful contribution to reading lists for both Primary and Early Years students. The range of content is extensive and engaging, and will ensure that readers are equipped to develop their skills of reflection and analysis in relation to primary English, language and literacy issues, as well as to take on the practical challenges of literacy teaching and learning in educational settings′ - Clare Dowdall, Professor at University of Plymouth ′The editor and contributors in the book have done an amazing job in communicating complex theories and research findings in ways that can be easily taken up by practicing primary teachers. There is also an important feature of the book that needs special mention. Throughout the book, readers may find various boxes that guide their reading. ‘Research Boxes’ contain references to seminal studies and their major claims on selected topics. ‘Task Boxes’ may be used by readers to reflect and clarify their understandings of the relevant issues. ‘Teaching Ideas Boxes’ list useful ‘springboard’ ideas that can be tried by readers in their pedagogical contexts′ -Teacher Development