Primary English Teaching: An Introduction to Language, Literacy and Learning

This comprehensive introduction to language, literacy and learning in the primary classroom explores the theoretical issues that underpin pedagogical practice in the primary English language classroom. This exploration enables readers to understand how theoretical understandings developed from classrooms and linguistic–based research informs pedagogical practice and curriculum offerings in primary schools today.

This book was successfully published in the United Kingdom and subsequently taken up by a number of Initial Teacher Education programs across the country. Following this, interest was raised in producing an Australian version of this publication with the same audience in mind - those entering the teaching profession who are interested in gaining an overview of the foundations of English literacy curriculum. Furthermore, the movement towards and release of the Australian Curriculum suggested that the development of an Australian version of a book which was written with the backdrop of the National Curriculum for Schools in England would be prudent.

The contributors explore primary language teaching, placing new initiatives and curriculum directions within their theoretical contexts, at the same time offering practical ideas. A central element of the book is the placing of student diversity, and in particular linguistic diversity, as an area of focus in each chapter of the book. This book will be essential reading for both undergraduate students of education and those entering the profession via the Masters of Teaching route. Classroom teachers will also find this book useful in helping to clarify the thinking underpinning good classroom English and literacy practice.