From Phonics to Fluency: Effective Teaching of Decoding and Reading Fluency in the Elementary School

Aspiring and veteran teachers alike get a practical, workable, fresh approach to word study that students find authentic, engaging, and enjoyable--from two of today's most respected literacy educators. Tim Rasinski and Nancy Padak present a unique approach to word recognition instruction that focuses on two key issues: engaging and authentic word study, and effective fluency instruction. In this best-selling guide the authors provide methods, strategies, and activities for teaching decoding and reading fluency that fit easily and effectively into any classroom situation. They debunk the common beliefs about teaching phonics, particularly the claim that the field is deeply divided in the fundamental view of teaching reading. Citing the renewed emphasis on "decoding" in the last decade, From Phonics to Fluency teaches both aspiring and veteran educators how and why to use phonogram poems to teach phonics. Vignettes and scenarios from real classrooms provide illustrative examples of the concepts, and fascinating cases spark and keep readers' interest. The practical, workable, engaging approaches to word study that the authors share are based on solid literacy theory, reading research, and actual classroom practices. In this edition, icons spotlight technology and research-based strategies that help lead teachers to many helpful resources. With this book as a guide, teachers help put students on their way to improved word recognition, more fluent reading, and better reading comprehension--all in a manner that nurtures students' lifelong fascination with words and reading.