He constantly draws attention to the nonsense of multi-cueing word-guessing embedded in so many reading programmes in America and spreading further afield.
Here is an example of what Stephen notes about the 'Reading Strategies' embodied in a reading programme - this time Jennifer Serravallo's Reading Strategies Book published by Heinemann:
If you have the time, take a look at how slick this is. It will give you an idea of what reading reformers are up against. Heinemann Publishing has been marketing Balanced Literacy/Whole Language materials (including whole "leveled" libraries) for decades. Heinemann is now pushing into markets beyond the US using Jennifer Serravallo's Reading Strategies Book. I've summarized the decoding (phonics) "strategies" in her book earlier in this forum - but here they are again (in case you missed them):
“Balanced” Literacy in Action
· Look at the picture for help in guessing.
· Point at each word as you read.
· Compare the unknown word to a similar one you already know.
· When you make a guess, think: “Is this how a book ought to sound?” If not, try something else.
· Be a coach to your partner.
· Slow down the Zoom, Zoom, Zoom and ask: “Does it make sense?”
· Think while you do your reading, and re-read if necessary.
· Juggle all 3 balls. [The reference here is to three-cueing.]
· Look for letters that go together.
· Check the first and last letter to verify a guess.
· Get a running start into the word.
· Cover up common endings (-ED, -ING) and try to read what’s uncovered.
· Go left to right and get your mouth ready to say the word.
· Try different sounds for the vowel until the word makes sense.
· Read the word part by part. Example: DIS-AGREE-ED.
· Skip the word, read to the end of the sentence, and then try to figure out what word might make sense.
Summary taken from Chapter 3 of The Reading Strategies Book
by J. Serravallo.
Stephen Parker (@ParkerPhonics)