Navigating the Maze of Book Types & Levels for Struggling Readers
Choosing the right books for learners with reading difficulties can sometimes feel like a maze. We hear about the importance of using phonics and decodable books, but there are also coloured book bands, and what about when these learners progress from phonics? Then there’s the huge issue of disengagement; most books which these learners can read well are too young for them. They lose self esteem and motivation. How do we navigate this maze?
This one hour training course provides explanations and examples of the different ways in which books are levelled, when and why these different levelling systems are used, and how to choose books purposefully and accurately so that your learners succeed. You’ll be shown how to take a very simple running record to determine whether a book is at the right level, and how to use the “Efficacious Four” method of checking comprehension.
Included in this course are some great resources; a catalogue of “higher level lower interest (hi-lo)” reading books, a leaflet about choosing the right book and all the handouts you need for the session.
Suitable for SENCOs, literacy leaders teachers, teaching assistants, and parents in primary and secondary settings.
Resources included:
- Which Books Do I Pick Workbook
- Slides HANDOUTS
- High Interest Lower Level Reading Books Catalogue
- Choosing the Right Book Leaflet
You’ll also be offered a 10% discount from Ransom Publishing who offer a fantastic range of hi-lo books.
This tutorial from Louise is absolutely brilliant. Louise explains really clearly the difficulties faced by readers and looks at what it means to be a good competent reader from both a decoding and a comprehension point of view. There is so much more to being a competent reader than the ability to read words, and Louise explains this in a clear and concise manner with real life examples to show how the methods work. Louise shows us the best way to analyse a child’s reading level for both decoding ability and comprehension so that you can make an informed assessment of where a child is currently reading and therefore make alterations if needed. – Zoe Rolt, parent and secondary teacher
I really liked the clear explanations of the models of understanding reading to set the tone for the video. I like the opportunities to pause and think about one’s own practice. The discussion of some of the current schemes is useful in considering why some children fall behind early on. There are some really helpful tips for communicating with parents and explanations of common misunderstandings. Louise makes some very crucial points for teachers and parents, and this session offers some useful resources. I liked the top tips at the end! It is really important to have communication with parents about reading and why things are being done in the way they are. – Sarah Herman, specialist teacher in specific learning difficulties
I love the work where Louise models how to do a reading record with a pupil involved and shows how to check comprehension. It’s much more interesting and informative than a lecture, and then Louise re-models in a different way afterwards. Love it! I absolutely love the high interest lower level reading catalogue. The top tips guide is fantastic. A much needed and informative video with activities included. What a welcome change. This is so essential for our schools. – Ruth Elliott, CPD lead, Miles Dyslexia Centre and specialist teacher in dyslexia and neurodiversity