Product Description
For Kylene Beers, the question of what to do when kids can’t read surfaced abruptly in 1979 when she began teaching. That year, she discovered that some of the students in her seventh-grade language arts classes could pronounce all the words, but couldn’t make any sense of the text…. More >>
When Kids Can’t Read: What Teachers Can Do: A Guide for Teachers 6-12
#1 by Steve on January 26, 2010 - 4:41 am
I have not read this book nor am I a teacher, but have a question. Does this book help with other professionals and adults? For example someone who knows science and takes Calculus improves comprehension analytically? Or someone who knows spelling and now uses shapes for math may help in identifying, say, words? So, not to just teach the kids how to read but to help them with their profession (outside of just teaching) or with their everyday activity/living too? Sorta like self empowerment. Thanks! Steve
Sorry for the negative rating. I just want to be indifferent about it and I cannot put zero stars.
Rating: 3 / 5
#2 by Casey A. Rondini on January 26, 2010 - 5:11 am
I have not read this book, but I was given Appendix M as part of a list of suggested books for Summer Reading. As a librarian, I am appalled by the number of errors in this list of titles and authors. Students will have trouble finding several of these books when the authors’ names and the titles are spelled incorrectly. How can we expect the best from students when we give them a sloppily edited list from which to choose their reading material? One example is “Zusack, Markus. Fighting Reuben Wolf”, which should read “Zusak, Markus. Fighting Ruben Wolfe.” Vivian Vande Velde’s book is “The Rumplestiltskin Problem” not just “The Rumplestiltskin.” This book is in desperate need of better editing before teachers use it to select books.
Rating: 2 / 5
#3 by Beth Searfoss on January 26, 2010 - 6:52 am
I am not inclined to read books related to pedagogy (drier than dust!), but after hearing Dr. Beers speak in Maryland, I became an almost-instant disciple. While I admit that several strategies given in the book have evolved for me over many years of teaching, I also have to consider the difference this book would’ve made had I had it earlier in my career.
I, too, have had my share of Georges and I struggled to teach them as they persevered to learn.
This book should be a must-read in all school systems, and not only for the Language Arts/English teachers. I am convinced that if school systems spent the money acquainting teachers with Dr. Beers’ strategies, vast sums of money would untimately be saved in the long run–and so would countless Georges! Society would benefit immeasurably!
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by Yellow Meso on January 26, 2010 - 7:58 am
This is an eye opening book. Sure it seems like common sense after you read it, but wow. I am blown away by the strategies and explanations in this book. This is not a theory book that leaves you asking, “So what do I do now?”
Finally there is a book that defines the problems and gives easy to understand strategies for you to use when working with struggling readers. This book should be required reading for all teachers. You almost want to cry in empathy when you read her notes to George.
Rating: 5 / 5
#5 by Curtis Nielson on January 26, 2010 - 10:29 am
I have read many, many books on reading instruction and research. Through them, I have learned a lot about reading, but none has been as helpful to me as this book. It actually helps teachers with easy-to-implement ideas to help every student in the classroom.
Rating: 5 / 5