ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the purpose and structure of the entire book. It presents the text’s mantra ( Enjoy! Dig deeply! Take action! ) and argues that much of what goes on in the name of reading instruction today is based on myths about how children learn to read and write. Telling readers to “sound out” words when they get stuck is identified as Myth #1. The authors recommend teaching students to use active meaning-making strategies like context clues, critical analysis of an author’s message, and self-monitoring (metacognition) along with letter sounds. Teachers are advised to use miscue analysis when listening to students read orally and not correct miscues that make sense. Since humans use language along with other modalities (art, music, drama, etc.) to make meaning, attention to multiple literacies is important when teaching reading. The Instructional Model of Critical Literacy is presented as the conceptual framework for the book, with particular emphasis on four critical social practices: disrupting what is seen as commonplace knowledge; interrogating multiple perspectives; focusing on sociopolitical issues; and taking action to promote social justice. The picture book How to Read a Book is featured in this chapter.
