Reading Beyond the Basics: Key Routines for Engaging, Research-Informed Instruction in Grades 2–6 (Practical methods for effective reading instruction)

Teacher and literacy coach Catlin Goodrow offers research-informed strategies and personal reflections to help older elementary school students engage with complex, vocabulary-rich texts. Grounded in effective tools and routines, her approach focuses on the teacher-supported reading of worthy texts. Teachers will find practical resources, templates, and examples of lessons to foster student engagement, accelerate reading skills, and support ongoing literacy development. Grades 2–6 classroom teachers, reading specialists, and literacy coaches will:Shape literacy instruction around flexible principles versus prescribed programs of practiceAnalyze and select texts that both foster literacy skills and encourage personal reflectionDevelop literacy lesson structures that support students before, during, and after readingImplement simple, reproducible exercises as grounding routines for reading engagementCreate safe learning environments where students can engage and explore their reading Contents: Introduction Part I: Preparing and Planning Chapter 1: Five Guiding Principles Chapter 2: Selecting and Evaluating Texts Worth Reading Chapter 3: Analyzing Texts With Readers in Mind Part II: Structuring Reading Lessons Chapter 4: Before Reading Chapter 5: During Reading Chapter 6: After Reading Part III: Conditions for Learning Chapter 7: Classroom Culture for Growing Readers Conclusion References and Resources Index Read more