Blogs About Reading

Shanahan on Literacy

Timothy Shanahan

Literacy expert Timothy Shanahan shares best practices for teaching reading and writing. Dr. Shanahan is an internationally recognized professor of urban education and reading researcher who has extensive experience with children in inner-city schools and children with special needs. All posts are reprinted with permission from Shanahan on Literacy.

RIP to Advanced Phonemic Awareness

November 15, 2021

Not long ago, I dared question the evidence supporting the teaching of “advanced phonemic awareness.” That elicited negative reactions from some educators who found my assertions threatening. Their notion was that if I raised doubts about this, then balanced literacy, whole language, cueing systems, and the fall of the Republic would be manifest upon the land.

What Is the Science of Reading?

November 6, 2021

Lots of questions about the “science of reading” this week.

Do You Have Any Pet Peeves about Reading? Here Are My Top Ten (Part 2)

October 22, 2021

Last week, I posted five literacy education pet peeves.

Do You Have Any Pet Peeves about Reading? Here Are My Top Ten (Part 1)

October 13, 2021

People who ask a question just so they can answer it. Yep, I’m the punchline. I’m asking this question only so I can answer it. Though I hope this stimulates you to add your own. Pet peeves are, by their very nature, complaints. Of course, no one wants to hear a lot of whining these days. If they did, they’d be on Twitter or the U.S. Senate.

Should We Departmentalize Our Primary Grades?

September 21, 2021

Teacher question: My school district has recently departmentalized first and second grades. The students seem very young to have two teachers and move classes mid-day. It also seems that early literacy should stretch across the school and not only be taught during an ELA block. I’m interested to know your thoughts. Shanahan's response:

Do You See Visualization as an Effective Reading Comprehension Strategy? And, for Whom?

September 17, 2021

Teacher question: I’m a second-grade teacher. Our school has purchased a reading comprehension program that emphasizes visualization. Is that such a good idea? Shanahan's response: Great question. This is one that I can answer with a “yes” or “no.” I’m not answering like a politician, it just sounds like it.