Teaching Primary English
Literacy empowers learning across the whole curriculum and language is at the centre of all learning in primary education.
Aware of current curriculum developments and drawing from the latest research Teaching Primary English encourages teacher education students to develop a deeper understanding of the essential issues involved in teaching English in order to approach a career in the primary classroom with the confidence and knowledge required to succeed.
Taking a fresh approach to the main elements of teaching primary English, Jackie Brien strikes an engaging balance between the practical requirements of English teaching and encouraging informed reflection on key aspects of primary literacy.
This is essential reading for everyone studying primary English on primary initial teacher education courses including undergraduate (BEd, BA with QTS), postgraduate (PGCE, SCITT), and employment-based routes into teaching.
Jackie Brien is Curriculum Leader for English, Communication, Language and Literacy at the University of Chester.
'Jackie Brien obviously understands students' needs and their course requirements. I have no doubt that, for the near future at least, this will become their reference book of choice because it is easy to use and in relatively few pages, they are introduced to the main features of good English and literacy teaching and perhaps more importantly, they are encouraged to think deeply about it'
-Barbara Conridge,
NATE Primary Committee, English Drama Media
'This book provides real breadth and depth in the essential areas of subject knowledge for ITE students. Within this detailed and comprehensive coverage Jackie Brien also gives access to some of the most important background debates and related educational arguments, to help students make sense of current approaches and initiatives in literacy teaching. Theoretical positions are brought to life with examples of classroom data; and the importance of beginner teachers developing professional confidence based on significant understanding of literacy learning and teaching is emphasised throughout.
The book has an excellent structure with short, taster sections of expert reflection from recognised authorities, encouraging students to read on and investigate further. In addition each chapter has a range of clearly signalled prompts inviting hands-on activity, discussion and reflection. This is a great book for guiding the developing literacy knowledge of ITE students and NQTs'
- Julie Bowtell, University of Hertfordshire
This engaging book will appeal to student teachers seeking to update their subject knowledge and reflect upon their practice. The structure of chapters enables the reader to dip into text to find items of interest, the Expert Reflection boxes adds an interesting dimension too. The chapter titles reflect the zeitgeist in primary English and readers will find those on phonics, assessment and inclusion particularly helpful. This book will set a marker for those of us who produce similar texts.
-David Waugh, Director of Primary Programmes, Durham University
This book is fast becoming the foundation of our students' journey towards becoming effective teachers of English.
Essential reading for all primary teaching students.
This book will appeal to student teachers as it is a good balance of theory, expert reflection and personal reflection.
This is an outstanding book. It covers key areas of the subject with clarity, balance and humour. It is very easy to read but at the same time it does not attempt to oversimplify complex aspects of English. I would recommend it to any student wanting to buy just one book on this subject.
A very readable text which includes practical strategies as well as underpinning ideas. Thoughtful and useful for the PGCE trainees.
Really comprehensive guide to key topics in Primary English.
This book provides a good overview of the key areas ITE students need to learn about, experience and reflect on. It is not adopted as a key text, but students are directed towards it as useful.
Has been included in the reading list for this year's PGCE students as a volume which would be useful to read prior to commencing the course in September 2012. Gives an overview of the requirements, very useful.
A useful text that we will recommend to both UG and PG students.
