How the Brain Learns to Read

by David A. Sousa

A modern classic, updated for today's classroom needsNo skill is more fundamental to our students' education than reading. And no recent book has done more to advance our understanding of the neuroscience behind this so-critical skill than David Sousa's How the Brain Learns to Read . To tens of thousands of educators, Sousa revealed at last how exactly young brains learn to make sense of printed language and how you can use that information to reach students of all ages and skill levels.With so much more to be shared--and so much more to be heard--this second edition has been revised and updated to show what the ever-growing body of research looks like in an entirely new learning climate. Top among the many new features Correlations to Common Core State Standards in Literacy and English/Language Arts A new chapter on how to teach for comprehension Much more on helping older struggling readers master subject-area content Ways to tailor strategies to the unique needs of students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties, including those receiving interventions in an RTI or MTSS model Key links between how the brain learns spoken and written language No school can afford to teach reading skills from an outdated knowledge base. With this new edition of David Sousa's modern classic, you can ensure a brighter future for your students, on the page, in the classroom, and beyond.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Science

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2004

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book breaks down the reading acquisition process into reasonable discrete elements and provides the neuroscientific evidence to support the ideas presented. It is an excellent resource for anyone interested in a research based reading program and can be used effectively by a Reading intervention team in a school or school district. I often refer to it in planning professional development activities and writing articles on education and reading in particular.

[Oleksandr Golovatyi · Rating 5 out of 5]

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Best book notes:

“Reading is the result of an elaborate process that involves decoding abstract symbols into sounds, then into words that generate meaning.”

“When aimed at the brain, computerized axial tomography (CAT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are very useful diagnostic tools that produce computer images of the brain’s internal structure. For example, they can detect tumors, malformations, and the damage caused by cerebral hemorrhages.”

“How quickly a child understands words may be closely related to whether the word can generate a clear mental image. A word like elephant generates a picture in the mind’s eye and thus can be more easily understood than an abstract word like justice.”

“Implication for Teaching and Learning: “Teachers should use concrete images when presenting an abstract concept to young learners.””

“the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no media exposure prior to 2 years of age”

“Exposing children prior to 2 years of age to media may cause significant delays in cognitive processing and language development.”

“grouping, or chunking, individual words into phrases, processing time is decreased.”

“a three-phase model of how the brain acquires the ability to read (Frith, 1985).”

More notes at the link "How the Brain Learns to Read" (2nd ed.) David A. Sousa

[Shelley Wear · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must have resource for all general education and special education teachers. It clearly addresses the scientific process of reading and how the brain learns to read in an easy to understand way. Very informative and quickly implemented in any classroom.

[Liz Shine]

A nice blend of science and practical strategies helpful to teachers of all levels and all content areas. I took away one specific strategy for teaching reading in 9th grade and also IB. It wasn't a strategy specifically suggested by the book, but was inspired by the process of learning about how our brains learn to read.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, concise rundown of how children learn to read, with suggestions for scientifically-based reading instructors. Reading this almost makes me want to go back to school to become a first or second grade teacher...

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This books was so interesting! I definitely recommend it to my fellow educators.

[Gene Cords · Rating 1 out of 5]

The concept reviewed in Wall Street Journals ounded great. It turned out look, feel and read like a teacher's manual. So I sent it back.

[Rebecca Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for those in education.

[Susan Okeefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone who is interested in the latest brain research related to reading would enjoy this book.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, packed with information. Reads like a text book, which it probably is used as. The kind of book a reader could return to over time for good review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The science of reading is where it's at these days. Sousa does a nice job of explaining why this shift in literary instruction is so necessary.