Lenses on Reading: An Introduction to Theories and Models

by Diane H. Tracey, Lesley Mandel Morrow

This accessible text provides an extensive survey of the major theories and models that influence reading instruction and research. Readers learn why theory matters in designing and implementing high-quality instruction; how to critically evaluate the assumptions and beliefs that guide their own work with students; and the benefits of approaching everyday teaching situations from multiple theoretical perspectives. Every chapter features classroom application activities and illuminating teaching vignettes. Of particular utility to graduate students, the book also addresses research applications, including descriptions of exemplary studies informed by each theoretical model.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development, Reference, Academic, School

238 pages, Paperback

First published April 17, 2006

Reviews

[Kim]

I highly recommend this resource for those of us who have been teaching for a while. It will help us define what we do in context and provide us additional lenses to use in our curricular planning and instruction.

[Helen]

I read this book for a foundations course I will be teaching. It offers a terrific synthesis of research, theory and application...

While it is "textbookish" it is user friendly!

[April]

This book was chosen as required reading for my graduate course in reading instruction. It details differing theories about how children learn and specifically learn to read. The theories include early theories, behaviorist ideas, affective influence, physiological, social, and constructivist among others. The book also details classroom and research applications related to each theory. I would not say that I enjoyed reading this book, and the language is very technical and it is dense reading. However, I feel that this book is excellent for the purposes intended. It has a wealth of knowledge about each theory, and it is laid out in a logical matter. I feel that I learned a lot about theories that underlie instruction. I also thought deeply about how these theories apply to classroom practice. I am glad to have gained so much knowledge. I recommend this book for classroom teachers, and anyone who is interested in education theory.

[Madison Kozeny]

This was an excellent refresher on the major educational theories that are foundational to reading instruction. I highly recommend this to teachers who are looking to refine their knowledge of the lenses they can use in their curriculum and instructional planning. It is incredibly user-friendly and one of the most engaging textbooks I have read for a course. I particularly enjoyed the anecdotes from teachers sprinkled throughout the chapters, as well as the practical applications this book provided.

[Eugene Struzik]

Excellent Introduction to Reading Theories

This is the perfect book for anyone who is interested in the science of early reading development. It provides a brief overview of many different theories on how children learn to read and what we can do to help them become better readers.

[Kendall]

Solid teacher resource! I really appreciated the in-depth Classroom Resources sections.

I know there’s a ton of theories and models Morrow goes into, but I would’ve really liked some more substantial info and context for each theory. It is an introduction to these theories, though, to be fair.

[Hannah]

I had to read this for a class, but despite that I really enjoyed it. It was very enlightening and gave me a better view of what theories influence how I teach. Each theory/model includes a anecdote by a teacher using it which helped clarify several of the theories where the jargon made comprehension more challenging. Also, at the start of the book you are given an example of a struggling reader, then at the very end of the book you are give how each lens/theory/model would address this student’s problems. This was a great way to summarize the chapters and it put everything into a practical perspective. Overall, it is a useful book to examine lenses of reading!

[Anna]

If you love theory then you will love this! And if you love reading theory then you may just die happy reading this little gem of a resource. Really, Tracey and Morrow know their stuff and they do such a great job creating this easy-to-read, easy-to-digest resource that's truly jam-packed with all kinds of reading-related knowledge. I know the cover looks boring and the title may not grab you but give it a chance and I promise you will get a lot out of this. It's practical and theoretical all in one. I promise, if you are a teacher, you will love this little book.

[M.R. Graham]

An informative introduction to theories of reading education and development. It provided a very good summary of a good number of theories. However, I felt that this volume attempted too much; it could have done with fewer subdivisions and greater detail. Serves to give a foundation, but anyone wanting a thorough understanding should be ready to seek more reading.

[Katie]

Read for exams. Good as a reminder of these different theories, but really too brief and unspecific to be of real help. Some speculation on how books targeted for children/teens might be written with these assumptions/theories in mind (particularly about the social aspects of reading when it comes to transmedia works).

[Tara Warmerdam]

A very informative examination of the history/development of the major reading theories. Tracey & Morrow are quite comprehensive in scope and depth with attention to each theory. Definitely an excellent resource for reading teachers.

[Kelsey Frost]

If you have to read a book on literacy theory this book certainly will give you a great historical perspective in order from earliest theories to current literacy theories. In addition there are theoretical anecdotes as to how these theories are practiced in the classroom.

[Carol]

I read this book for my Literacy class. It helped me to understand the education theories that practices are based upon. I can now choose more deliberately which instructional practices and strategies I want to use in my class because I understand the theories upon which they are based.

[Greg]

An excellent summary of the major theories associated with reading. A bit heavy, but very applicable.

[Derek Kamal]

Reading for school, not entirely enjoying.

[Diana Pettis]

Will be reading selected chapters from this text for the entire semester. Class ends Dec. 9th.

[Nicole Krubski]

I have a blurb on metacognition in this book :)

[Ms. Delohery]

Interesting to read - theories, theories, theories, which one to believe?

[Joy]

Easy to read. Overview of the history of educational theory. I love this kind of stuff.

[Stacey]

This book has great concrete suggestions on how to help readers improve their skills.

[Amy Mancini]

As far as theoretical pieces go, this was highly readable and clearly informative. This would make a great text for an introduction to literacy methods course.

[Beth]

This book was a wonderful book to help you determine what teaching method you use in your classroom while teaching reading. It described methods in a context that could be easily understood.

[Maureen Sharon]

This provides a great introduction to very complex theories and models of reading. The reference lists in the book are wonderful for literature review purposes.

[Erin M-M]

good review of reading and educational theories.

[Amanda K]

Very informative and easy to follow. Excellent introduction and review on reading theories.

[Nicole Oldham]

Great historical context!

Absolutely love how the final chapter is structured.

[Natalia]

Great read to get quick introductions to basic theories on reading development and learning.

[Anne]

It’s not practical in application but it’s interesting and I think important.

[Dena]

Excellent resource.

[Kathleen]

Loved all the different theories that they talked about.