Teaching the Struggling Reader - Softcover

Barbara R. Schirmer

Teaching the Struggling Reader

This innovative book--by acclaimed author Barbara Schirmer--is written for pre-service and new or beginning teachers who understand the components of a developmental reading program, but need to learn how to put together a coherent and effective instructional literacy program. Teaching the Struggling Reader takes a novel approach to instruction--the reading program is based on the needs of the struggling reader, rather than the other way around. This exciting new book provides teachers with a “road map” for creating an instructional program that turns struggling readers into strong readers.

This step-by-step guide covers all of the topics found to be important for reading instruction--phonemic awareness, phonics and other word recognition strategies, fluency, and comprehension–all within a comprehensive and unified framework for creating a reading program specifically for struggling readers. 

"The organization of this book is very good.  It moves from a brief discussion of basic information and terms to assessment (the first step in developing an approach to teaching struggling readers), and through the steps of reading practice and instruction.  From there, it continues to move outward from reading skill acquisition to motivation and family partnerships. This movement from basic and specific to application to implication not only makes logical sense, it also creates a workable model for a teacher who has not had experience with developing a reading program or approach...This should be the starting point for all instruction."
— Heidi Davey, English Teacher, Hoffman Estates High School, Hoffman Estates, IL

 “I like the section on how to motivate the struggling reader. That is often a topic of discussion in schools.  It is difficult to find material on how to motivate a struggling reader, particularly as they get older.  Middle school and high school students that struggle with reading often need to be motivated."
- Karen Ward, Assistant Principal, Centennial Middle School, Dade City, FL

Barbara R. Schirmer has been involved in prekindergarten through twelfth grade and higher education throughout her career. Internationally known for her research on literacy development, she has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and three books; the most recent is What is Special About Special Education: Examining the Role of Evidence Based Practices.  

Barbara R. Schirmer has been involved in P-12 and higher education throughout her career. Internationally known for her research on literacy development, she has authored numerous journal articles, book chapters, and three books; the most recent is What is Special About Special Education: Examining the Role of Evidence Based Practices.