How the Brain Learns to Read

by David A. Sousa (editor)

Arm educators with the most current neuroscientific information available on reading and effective learning and start students down a lifelong path as successful readers.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Science

256 pages, Paperback

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.