Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning to Read

Understanding Reading: A Psycholinguistic Analysis of Reading and Learning to Read by Frank Smith aims to educate the reader about the act of reading and learning to read. Parents and their children, teachers, lecturers, and readers concerned about their reading technique, are all invited here. It may be viewed as the more comprehensive volume to Reading Without Nonsense [Smith, Frank. 2006. Fourth Edition. Teacher's College Press], another good book. Dr. Smith succeeds very well in creating a train of thought, employing logic and reasoning, yet keeping his pen `light' to his audience. On glancing through the reference list, the dimensions the author has considered become apparent. It includes amongst other - educational sciences, psychology, linguistics, writing and more ... Additionally, the references may provide clues to further investigations. The reader could expect to learn from the text - 1. How we acquire knowledge of the world around us, when young? 2. Why reading and learning to reading are considered to be natural acts. 3. What is the difference between comprehension and knowledge? 4. The role of information and experience. 5. Meeting of minds - the writer, reader; and their respective conventions. 6. The involvement of our eyes [visual factors] and brain [prior knowledge, non-visual factors] when we read. 7. How best to employ our brain and memory in the act of reading. 8. Single letter - vs. whole word - vs. meaning identification. 9. The `Phonetics-first' [identify a word -> break up into <br /> 'sound-out' units -> comprehend word] - versus <br />10. The `Look-say' method [identify groups of words (visual <br /> reading)-> comprehend thought units] of reading and learning to <br /> read. <br />11. Politics, bickering and ... the educational system! <br />12. On reading, writing and thinking. <br /> <br />In summary, a well-researched exposition, worthy of your consideration!

This book cuts straight to the point without any nonsense inbetween. It is a valuable resource for any teacher or parent, no matter what field. Hightly recommended.

Frank Smith wrote the first edition of this book in 1971. This is the 4th edition, and although he has done some updating, the basic theme is the same. The book covers two problems: How do we make sense of text (read), and how do we learn to read? If you are a fan of phonics either don't read this book or read with an open mind.