Reading Theories

Question 1

Bruner, Constructivist Approach

Answer 1

reflect how we learn and how we store information in our memory

Enactive mode (0-12 months): learn motor responses and physical actions so we can repeat them

Iconic mode (1-6 years): image based, storing of images in our mind

Symbolic mode (7 years +): language based, understanding of the symbolic and ‘coded’ nature of words and meanings

Question 2

Look and Say approach

Answer 2

Encourages children to identify familiar words as a whole

Focuses on visual shape of words without breaking into phonemes

Good method for irregular words

Puts a lot of pressure on visual memory

Gives no method for tackling new/unfamiliar words

Question 3

Ken Goodman, Miscues

Answer 3

when a child doesn’t read the text exactly as printed on the page

not random - instead indicates that a child is strategising

Common element of all stages of reading progress

Question 4

Phonics approach

Answer 4

Teaches children to translate the individual graphemes into phonemes

THEN teaches children how to blend them together

Children identify the word first and then consider the relationship between the individual letters and sounds