Early Reading and Writing

Originally published in 1976. This book is about the teaching of reading and writing in infant schools around Britain for all parents and teachers. It outlines some schemes, approaches, methods and developments but focuses on the pragmatic application. The acquisition and growth of literacy must be seen in the context of the child's total language development, and this book devotes some space to the before-school experience and how parents can help their children.

Preface. 1. Introduction: The Importance of Literacy 2. What Went Wrong? The Illiterate Adult in Our Society 3. Basic Processes 4. Reading and Writing in a Small-town School 5. Reading and Writing in a City School 6. How Parents can Help the Pre-school Child 7. Reading for What? Schemes and Children's Readers 8. The Iron Teacher: Teaching Machines and Other Aids 9. Is Your Test Really Necessary? 10. Conclusion