Wiring the Brain for Reading - by Marilee B Sprenger (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Wiring the Brain for Reading introduces teachers to aspects of the brain's functions that are essential to language and reading development. Marilee Sprenger, a specialist in learning and the brain, provides practical, brain friendly, strategies for teaching essential skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The author's innovative approach aligns well with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts and is designed to enhance students' motivation and excitement in reading.

• Offers a clear explanation of brain functioning in order to enhance language and reading instruction
• Incorporates proven literacy strategies, games, and activities as well as classroom examples
• Aligns with Common Core State Standards for learning to read, developing fluency, and interpreting complex texts

Wiring the Brain for Reading offers practical strategies for applying the latest research in neuroscience and learning to the classroom.

From the Back Cover

Teaching reading skills can be challenging for any teacher or parent. In Wiring the Brain for Reading, reading expert Marilee Sprenger introduces readers to the specific neural connections that are most relevant to language and reading development and shows how these reading pathways can best be nurtured, even in children who struggle with reading. The book is filled with practical, 'brain friendly' instructional strategies, games, and activities that are designed to be easily implemented. Wiring the Brain for Reading highlights the following topics:

• The neural connections necessary for learning to read
• The importance of the body-brain connection
• Building phonemic awareness and decoding skills
• Brain-based techniques for developing vocabulary and building fluency
• Memory strategies to reinforce comprehension

By putting the emphasis on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, Sprenger's approach aligns with research-based reading instruction and Common Core standards, and is designed to enhance students' motivation and excitement in reading.

Praise for Wiring the Brain for Reading

"Exceptional background on reading and exceptional practical suggestions. A must read for anyone who teaches reading, works with parents, or teaches teachers. Highly recommended!"
--Eric Jensen, author, Teaching with the Brain in Mind

"Marilee Sprenger presents a fine book that provides useful nontechnical information on the neurobiology and pedagogy of reading. Sprenger doesn't view reading as a mere visual phenomenon, but rather as an enjoyable experience that encompasses our entire body and brain."
--Robert Sylwester, Emeritus Professor of Education, University of Oregon

"Marilee has captured the literature from beginning to end in a comprehensive review that will provide the basis for exploring reading practices as supported with a 'neuro-lens'"
--Bob Greenleaf, president, Greenleaf Learning

About the Author

Marilee Sprenger is an independent educational consultant. She consults and presents nationally on topics of learning, memory, differentiated instruction, and brain-based teaching practices. A former teacher, she is an adjunct professor at Aurora University. Often known as the "Brainlady," she is affiliated with both the American Academy of Neurology and the Learning and the Brain Society and is the author of several books on the brain and learning.