Closing the Reading Gap

by Alex Quigley, Routledge (Contributor)

"Our students' success will be defined by their ability to read fluently and skilfully. But despite universal acceptance of reading's vital importance, the reading gap in our classroom remains, and it is linked to an array of factors, such as parental wealth, education, book ownership, as well as classroom practice. To close this gap, we need to ensure that every teacher has the knowledge and skill to teach reading with confidence. In Closing the Reading Gap, Alex Quigley explores the intriguing history and science of reading, synthesising the debates and presenting a wealth of usable evidence into how children develop most efficiently as successful readers. Offering practical strategies for teachers at every phase of their teaching career, and tackling issues such as dyslexia and the role of technology, the book helps teachers to be an expert in how pupils 'learn to read' as well as how they 'read to learn', and explores how reading is vital for unlocking a challenging academic curriculum for every student. With a focus on nurturing pupils' will and skill to read for pleasure, this essential volume provides practical solutions to help all teachers create a rich, reading culture that will enable every student to thrive in school and far beyond the school gates"--

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

Published April 1, 2020

Reviews

[Peter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading for teaching reading and fostering a reading culture in schools. Particularly enjoyed the chapter on the history of reading!

[Talissa Cerato · Rating 3 out of 5]

took me sooooo long to finish this because let’s be real, educational theory is not the most exciting thing to pick up and read, and most afternoons the last thing I wanted to do was pick up a book about teaching after being exhausted from teaching all day.

but i hate leaving books unfinished and hate reading multiple books at once, so i persevered.

overall, there were some great key takeaways in here but they were sorta hidden amongst a lot of fluff. the writing quality was actually great, well written and easy to understand, but a lot of the content i already knew from uni.

loved the little anecdotes though. reminded me of the power and impact we have as teachers. can’t wait to use some of these strategies with my students !!!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a first-year higher-ed educator I realized quickly that I wasn't the target audience for this book... and yet I was able to get so much out of this text. Great for understanding the gaps that my students might arrive with and some techniques for reading and how to encourage that.
I'm guilty of thinking that my enthusiasm was enough to inspire my students to want to become stronger readers. This book gave me some tools that might actually help. Well worth the time for any level educator.

[Joe Henthorn · Rating 3 out of 5]

First few chapters are a general interest introduction to the history and science of reading. Interesting but probably nothing you haven't seen before if you've read any education book on reading in the past five years. You can skip straight to chapter 4 if you're after more practical advice. A useful handbook - doesn't go into as much detail as you might like at times, but signposts further reading well, and have lots to follow up on.

[Navin Valrani · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this book ticked all the boxes for an educator who wishes to wave the flag of reading importance, it did leave me unfulfilled. The next steps chapter was too broad for my liking. I would still recommend this book to any teacher who believes that we can only reduce the learning gap by first reducing the reading gap.

[Aishwarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't read the first 2 chapters. I didn't learn anything new from the rest of the chapters. This is a giant summary of the problem and a much smaller summary of the solutions. Many of his suggested solutions are useful, but seem to have mostly come from his "reading" rather than his "doing." Watch out for many inaccuracies when he talks about phonics and clauses.

[Emily Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

turns out that reading about reading kinda slaps

[Marina · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of this book is taken up with explaining the causes of poor literacy.
Many of the author’s points seem strangely judgemental and class-biased, making sweeping generalisations about the home circumstances of the struggling reader while he smugly (it seems to me ) recounts all the advantages he’s giving his son by snuggling up with him and a book
There’s a lot of emotive language about homes with ‘empty bookshelves’ – these are not even metaphorical empty bookshelves as, although he makes one or two brief acknowledgements that not all reading matter is physical, he seems to forget this when making his case.
This focus on the narrative of empty bookshelves and absent bedtime stories can only lead to the conclusion that, by the time they’re in their teens, it’s too late.
Having said that, there is some useful material that I’ll revisit when I stop being annoyed.
I really liked Quigley’s previous book – Closing the Vocabularly Gap – but much of this book just offended me and offered me little hope as either a parent or a teacher.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An essential read for all primary teachers - 5*

I decided to pick this book up after some Zoom training CPD I needed to attend. I'd previously read Quigley's Closing the Vocabulary Gap so I knew this guy knew his stuff. The Zoom meeting was all about Reading During the Time of Coronavirus. Especially in disadvantaged areas (like my school), the reading gap is widening during this time. Anyway, I enjoyed his CPD so much that I bought his book mid Zoom call.

I'm so lucky to have grown up in a home where reading was nurtured and now reading is an automatic process. The only problem with this is that it is hard for me to understand some children's difficulties with reading. This book is an eye opener and should be on EVERY reading list.

[Margaret Grabowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the issues of complexity in closing the reading gap that Quigley brings to light in this book. He does an excellent job summarizing the science of teaching reading, explaining the “mental model” that readers construct, and offering practical strategies. As an educator who has had to figure out a lot on my own, I appreciate the push for training and excellent teacher prep programs so that educators know how to assess and address gaps in the various dimensions (phonics, fluency, vocabulary, inferencing, reading motivation, etc.) that comprise reading comprehension.

A single book cannot contain the answers to everything reading-related, but I definitely recommend this to both new and veteran educators.

[Seb Yawlo · Rating 5 out of 5]

After having read Closing the Vocabulary Gap recently, I was very excited to pick up this book. I had high expectations for this one and I am pleased to say they were met. The structure of history and theory started the book with practical strategies finishing it off. I would recommend this book to anyone working in education of young people from primary to college age. I read it in two days which showed how interesting and useful I found the book too.

[Georgina · Rating 5 out of 5]

In his follow up to Closing the Vocabulary Gap, Quigley once again presents a rousing, call to arms about the necessity of all teachers being teachers of reading and what can be done in schools that serve the disadvantaged to close the advantage gap. The last couple of chapters are where you can will find some of the answers and approaches, whilst those preceding are necessary foregrounding.

[Denise Forrest · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read Closing the Vocabulary Gap and found it inspirational so I was really looking forward to reading this. However, although it was interesting, it didn’t grab me in the same way. Perhaps because I know so much more about reading so it wasn’t really anything new? It was still an interesting read which highlighted the importance of putting the teaching of reading centre stage in all schools.

[Robert Moffat · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and insightful look at reading. From the history and science, to its indescribable importance for our pupils, this book provides an accessible look into reading. Crucially it makes the case, and gives strategies, for all teachers, across subject disciplines, to be teachers of reading.

[Cathy Mowbray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some good ideas to implement in schools. Interesting facts about the UK (so many books are from US-based authors).
More beneficial for decision-makers, yet a good book to recommend to whole-school educators.
It highlights the need for support from home, which unfortunately isn't always available for many different reasons.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really useful CPD book, along with The Vocabulary Gap, to start thinking about how to ensure that your school (and classroom) is doing enough to bridge the gap that can form in a child's reading outcomes.

[Alžběta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not a teacher, but my four-year-old son and I read together quite a bit and it's one of our favourite moments of the day. I wanted to learn more about reading and how to make our reading time most beneficial for my son and his joy of learning. This book is a fascinating and extremely helpful resource, full of down-to-earth, practical advice. As a voracious bookworm myself, I also loved learning about the history and evolution of reading and some of its mechanics.
Alex Quigley is brilliant and I can't wait to read more of his books. "Closing the Reading Gap" is primarily written for teachers, but I dare say any parent will also richly benefit from reading it.
Thank you very much, Alex, for writing such a fascinating and incredibly helpful book!

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Easy to read with some interesting ideas but left me wanting more. Looks like I will be reading all the great reading lists he provided.

[Carmel Hulse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Robbie Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really great primer to the teaching of reading. Worth your time if you’re involved with leading reading in school or teach reading explicitly.

[Ben · Rating 4 out of 5]

1000030)

[Scott Aidan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very informative. There are ideas I hope to try in my future career.

[Claire Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly informative. I’d recommend all reading leads read this book.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this in a day at home, whilst recovering from COVID. There was definitely a lot of food for thought here, with practical strategies to implement.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative read. A different perspective on why there is a reading gap and the best methods to address that with struggling readers in the classroom and beyond.

[Azim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit too academic. Might be useful but not right now

[Kevin McShane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really excellent case for the importance of reading and how to help students be great at it!

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kept me entertained on a day with no Internet.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Listened on audible for work.
This was good, but could probably have gone further in terms of practical advice for pedagogy and practice.