Wiring the Brain for Reading
Brain-Based Strategies for Teaching Literacy
By Marilee Sprenger
The question of when a child is ready to read, and why so many children
have difficulty with this fundamental academic skill, has long been a
focus of education debates in this country. Until recently relatively
few neuroscience laboratories have focused efforts on investigating the
brain basis for reading. However,neuroscience had now delved into the
neurobiology of reading and one thing is becoming clear: not all
children’s brains are “wired” for reading in the same way.
The science of the brain has revealed exciting and important information
that, when added to the educational research, creates standards for best
practices in teaching reading. In WIRING THE BRAIN FOR READING (March
2013, Jossey-Bass), author Marilee Sprenger, a specialist in
learning and the brain, provides practical, brain-friendly strategies
for teaching essential reading skills like: phonemic awareness, phonics,
fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Her innovative approach applies the latest neuroscience research and
aligns with Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts.
Additionally, WIRING THE BRAIN FOR READING offers a clear
explanation of brain functioning in order to enhance language and
reading instruction and incorporates proven literacy strategies, games,
and activities as well as classroom examples.
Eric Jensen, author of Teaching with the Brain in Mind said,
“Exceptional background on reading and exceptional practical
suggestions. A must read for anyone who teaches reading, works with
parents or teaches teachers. Highly recommend!”
Reading is a very rich, complex and cognitive act, yet the brain is only
hardwired for spoken language – not reading.
That’s why WIRING THE BRAIN FOR READING is the must-have
book for any educator involved in teaching reading. It utilizes all of
Sprenger’s meaningful research to help teachers improve their students’
literacy so that their students can stand strong upon the foundation of
all school-based learning.
Mike Onorato
Associate Director - Publicity
monorato@wiley.com
201-748-6361