Teaching Primary English: Subject knowledge and classroom practice

Teaching Primary English is a comprehensive, evidence-informed introduction designed to support and inspire teaching and learning in the primary school. Written in a clear and accessible way, it draws on the very latest research and theory to describe and exemplify a full and rich English curriculum. It offers those on teacher training courses, as well as qualified teachers who are looking to develop their practice, subject knowledge and guidance for effective, enjoyable classroom practice.

Advice and ideas are supported by explicit examples of good teaching linked to video clips filmed in real schools, reflective activities, observational tasks and online resources. Each chapter includes suggestions for great children’s literature, considers assessment throughout and offers support planning for diversity and special educational needs. Key topics covered include:

• spoken language for teaching and learning
• storytelling, drama and role play
• reading for pleasure
• early reading, including phonics
• poetry
• writing composition
• spelling and handwriting
• grammar and punctuation
• responding to and assessing writing
• multimodal, multimedia and digital texts.

With a focus on connecting all modes of English, the global and the local, and home and school experience, this detailed, uplifting book will support you in developing a curious, critical approach to teaching and learning English.

Additional content can be found on the fantastic supporting website. Features include:

• video clips from within the classroom to demonstrate English teaching techniques
• audio resources, including an interactive quiz, to check understanding and provide real-life examples and case studies
• downloadable resources to support teaching and incorporate into lesson plans.

Eve Bearne became Project Officer for the National Writing Project after working for twenty years in schools and colleges. When the Project ended, she was appointed to Homerton College, Cambridge, UK, as a Senior Lecturer in Language, before being appointed Assistant Director in Research. Eve was President of the United Kingdom Reading Association from 2003 to 2005 and currently oversees Publications for UKLA. Eve has written and edited many books on English, literacy and children's literature.

David Reedy is General Secretary and a past President of the United Kingdom Literacy Association (UKLA). He was Co-Director of the Cambridge Primary Review Trust until 2017. From 2010 to 2014 he worked as Principal Adviser for primary schools in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. He has also been a Visiting Fellow at the Institute of Education, University of London, UK. Currently, David works with schools and teachers nationally and internationally to develop effective pedagogical practices, particularly in English. David's most recent publications include Guiding Readers: A handbook for teaching reading comprehension to 7-11 year olds (UCL IoE Press, 2016) and Teaching Grammar Effectively in Key Stage 1 (UKLA, 2016); he has also contributed to Teaching English Creatively 2nd edition (Routledge, 2015).