A framework for teaching reading

Abstract

Like Martin Turner, David Thomas has also achieved some notoriety. Even earlier than Turner he too was claiming to have unearthed evidence of a downward trend in reading standards. Here, however, he chooses not to go back over that research in detail but to concentrate on his philosophical position and what he considers to be the most productive ‘framework’ for teaching reading. Clearly he has thought long and deep on this topic and can be identified with the eclectic/multifunctional position. Further he has some pertinent observations to make on the physical layout of bases that will encourage reading development. This latter point will strike a chord with many readers who would maintain that childrens' learning is as much a product of resources and a conducive environment as it is of any particular teaching method.