Building Communities of Engaged Readers

by Teresa Cremin, Marilyn Mottram, Fiona M. Collins

Reading for pleasure urgently requires a higher profile to raise attainment and increase children’s engagement as self-motivated and socially interactive readers. Building Communities of Engaged Readers highlights the concept of ‘Reading Teachers’ who are not only knowledgeable about texts for children, but are aware of their own reading identities and prepared to share their enthusiasm and understanding of what being a reader means. Sharing the processes of reading with young readers is an innovative approach to developing new generations of readers. Examining the interplay between the ‘will and the skill’ to read, the book distinctively details a reading for pleasure pedagogy and demonstrates that reader engagement is strongly influenced by relationships between children, teachers, families and communities. Importantly it provides compelling evidence that reciprocal reading communities in school Written by experts in the literacy field and illustrated throughout with examples from the project schools, it is essential reading for all those concerned with improving young people’s enjoyment of and attainment in reading.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Chris B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful research into developing reading for pleasure habits in children. Cremin has undertaken extensive research in many schools across the UK to ascertain the current status of teachers as readers and children's reading for pleasure habits. Cremin and her team share methods that teachers and schools can implement in order to promote positive reading for pleasure habits with staff and pupils in the school community. Cremin's research is in depth and she is clearly an expert in her field. Interestingly, Cremin's work identifies the problems caused by the current design of the National Curriculum and how this can often create negative attitudes in the minds of children when it comes to reading.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Based on two studies carried out on behalf of the UKLA, this book provides a wealth of information about reading in primary schools. How do teachers ensure that they are Reading Teachers who are able to share a love of reading with those around them? How can we engage children with reading? Lots of ideas to think about and share with my colleagues.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cremin, et. al.'s study of reading for pleasure was insightful and needed. It reveals just how much reading impacts human interaction.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really useful read - 4*

I needed this.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based on two studies by the UKLA (United Kingdom Literature Association). The first was a survey of 1,200 teachers' knowledge of children's literature and the second was a project with 43 teachers developing their knowledge and helping them build communities of readers in school.

Mention of libraries was sparse, and focused on local libraries, not school ones. The expertise of children's librarians was acknowledged, but so was the "context of continued cuts to library provision".

There was a lot of information I found really useful, including: quotes from teachers about how they viewed reading for pleasure at the beginning and the end of the project; a look at a reading for pleasure pedagogy, including the importance of reciprocal reading relationships between teachers and students, and students and other students; and initiatives for connecting with families.

This book sparked a lot of thinking about the similarities and differences between what is happening at my school compared with the schools featured in the book.