Chapter One
Teaching Reading
Why Isn't It Working?

Our focus in this chapter is to understand current reading practices and to see why they cause as many problems as they do. Before starting out, it's worthwhile to define some key terms.

Setting Out the Terms
We'll begin with three keys terms: reading, writing, and literacy. The first two are near inseparable partners. Technically, the most accurate term to use to describe reading and writing ability is literacy, because it encompasses both processes. However, in everyday parlance, you'll usually find the single term reading used as a substitute for literacy.
Four processes are seen as central to attaining literacy: two (decoding and comprehension) are associated with reading, and two (spelling and composing) with writing. Don't be put off if these terms are unfamiliar. As you will see, their meaning is straightforward.
In order to read, you must be able to take th ... read full excerpt from The Reading Remedy: Six Essential Skills That Will Turn Your Child Into a Reader ebook