Understanding and Teaching Primary English

James Clements is an experienced teacher, researcher, and education writer. He has worked with groups of schools, education organisations and governments in the UK and across the world. James’ principal areas of interest are children’s development of language and language comprehension, how schools create rich reading cultures, and authentic ways of supporting children’s written communication. Prior to this, James was a primary teacher and school leader in central London. He is the author of Teaching English by the Book.Mathew Tobin was a primary teacher and school leader for many years before becoming a senior lecturer in Primary English and Children′s Literature. He continues to work closely with school practitioners and pupils particularly with a particular focus on raising standards in English. He is passionate about raising the profile of Reading Teachers and the Reflecting Realities agenda and teaches these areas at both Undergraduate and Postgraduate level. Mathew is often invited to chair discussions around Children′s Literature, deliver keynotes and is involved in various judging panels. His own research interests include exploring the relationships between children′s literature and the landscapes and the pedagogical potential and benefits of a locality-based curriculum.

I love this book. The approach of connecting the theory to practical applications is brilliant and you will find yourself nodding in agreement throughout.

• Part 1: English in the Early YearsChapter 1: Reading in the Early Years: TheoryChapter 2: Reading in the Early Years: PracticeChapter 3: Writing in the Early Years: TheoryChapter 4: Writing in the Early Years: PracticePart 2: Oracy and spoken languageChapter 5: Talk, Oracy and Spoken Language: TheoryChapter 6: Talk, Oracy and Spoken Language: PracticePart 3: ReadingChapter 7: The Simple View of Reading: TheoryChapter 8: The Simple View of Reading: PracticeChapter 9: Becoming a Reader: Theory and practice in reading for pleasureChapter 10: Teachers as Readers – Understanding the Importance of Children’s Literature: Theory and PracticePart 4: WritingChapter 11: The Teaching and Learning of Writing: TheoryChapter 12: The Teaching and Learning of Writing: PracticeChapter 13: Teaching Grammar and Punctuation in Context: Theory and practicePart 5: Vocabulary and word knowledgeChapter 14: Building Vocabulary and Word Knowledge: Theory and PracticePart 6: Curriculum, planning and assessmentChapter 15: Curriculum and Planning in Primary English: TheoryChapter 16: Curriculum and Planning in Primary English: PracticeChapter 17: Assessment in English: TheoryChapter 18: Assessment in English: Practice