ABSTRACT
Chapter 1 looks at how children learn to read in their first language, giving particular attention to shared reading using blown-up books, guided reading, and independent reading. Then the chapter examines learning to read in another language and contrasts the difference between learning to read in the first language and learning to read in English as a foreign or second language. Learners need to learn the prerequisites for reading by learning letter shapes, developing phonemic awareness, and learning the conventions of the writing system of English. The chapter looks at the experience approach to reading, phonics, the alphabetic principle, and the learning of spelling. Finally, a list of principles is described which can guide the teaching and learning of reading and writing.
