Reading and Writing in Science
Tools to Develop Disciplinary Literacy
- Maria C. Grant - California State University, Fullerton, USA
- Douglas Fisher - San Diego State University, USA
To help teachers enhance and deepen science content learning, Reading and Writing in Science: Strategies to Develop Disciplinary Literacy includes science-specific examples to illustrate the teaching strategies. The authors also provide structures for scaffolding textbook access, ways for teachers to expand literacy in the classroom through the use of trade books, and methods for assessing student learning.
"Science teachers, literacy coaches, and reading specialists will find this helpful book a great starting point for teaching the language of science—reading, writing, and speaking about science to engage the powerful ideas of the discipline. The tried-and-true, research-based practices explained in this highly readable and inviting volume provide many with the start they need to successfully support science literacy development."
"Grant and Fisher’s book talks to teachers, not just sharing the current research but actually drawing connections between research and practice. The authors use their own extensive teaching experience to take the reader into the classrooms of exceptional teachers and present scenarios of how to teach science concepts in engaging, motivating, and research-based ways. At last we have a book that recognizes that science teachers are not reading teachers, but they are promoters of science literacy, communicators of their field whose ultimate goal is to inform, enlighten, and foster strategic thinkers who have the potential to take our society to even greater heights."
"Finally, a book that uses real ideas about science literacy and shares those in interesting and informative ways. The idea that science teachers are teachers of language—instead of the usual argument of reading—brings literacy to the forefront in using instructional routines that fit the context of science. Grant and Fisher understand that there is more to science instruction than just the content."
"Students of science need both content knowledge and discipline-specific literacy skills to participate in rigorous science content. This book shows us how to use literacy strategies to improve student performance and participation in the secondary science classroom."