The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading

The Art and Science of Teaching Primary Reading is a guide to the science of reading and how it relates to classroom teaching in primary schools. It sets out the knowledge teachers need to understand what reading involves, how children learn to read, and what effective reading instruction can look like in practice.

Written for primary teachers, it connects technical understanding with day-to-day application in the classroom. The content is organised into bite-size chapters and draws on research-informed ideas across major areas, including phonics, comprehension, supporting children with reading difficulties, and wider classroom strategies. It also includes retrieval quizzes and questions intended to prompt professional discussion, alongside further reading suggestions and a glossary of key terms.

Key details

• Guide to the science of reading for primary classroom teaching
• Explores what reading involves and how children learn to read
• Topics include phonics, comprehension, reading difficulties and classroom strategies
• Bite-size chapters presenting research-informed ideas
• Retrieval quizzes and questions for professional discussion
• Further reading suggestions and a glossary of key terms

Synopsis

Teaching children to read is presented as a central task in primary education, with classroom practice underpinned by secure knowledge. The book explains what reading entails, how children learn to read, and how teachers can translate theory into effective teaching.

Across accessible chapters, it brings together technical understanding and practical implications, with features designed to support professional learning and reflection.