WHEN?
My new book entitled Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen will be published at the end of May, which coincides with the end of the school year. Timing of the publication is perfect for several reasons including:
- the opportunity for families and/or caregivers to spend more time with their children—hopefully, they will have time to read this book themselves and then share the book with their children as the intensity of ‘the school schedule’ will be ‘paused’.
- the notion that teachers will have more time to read this book (teachers, too, can press the ‘pause’ button) in preparation for sharing it with their new students in August or September.. You can read it in your backyard or neighborhood park!
- the opportunity for fhose who conduct summertime professional development with teachers to share this book with their teacher trainees.
- the opportunity for those who teach at the post-secondary level to read this book and then be able to share it with those training to become teachers in the fall semester.
Image by Towfiqu barbhuiya: from Pexels
With adult guidance, this book is appropriate for children beginning at age 8. Older students may be able to tackle it independently, depending on their own literacy skills. The book is fully illustrated with ‘the neurons’ themselves doing all the ‘talking’!
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?
Let’s start out with what Dr. Maryanne Wolf, Director, Center for Dyslexia, Diverse Learners, and Social Justice, Professor-in Residence, School of Education and Information Studies at UCLA, and author of Dyslexia, Fluency and the Brain, Proust and the Squid, Reader Come Home, and Tales of Literacy for the 21st Century had to say:
Dog eared copies (some signed by Dr. Wolf) line my shelves and have inspired me for quite some time. Dr. Wolf’s interests include the influence of technology (screen usage) on reading and even brain development, as well as the notion of ‘close reading of the text’. I don’t know about you, but I find myself far more distracted when reading on my iPad or laptop than when I read either on my Kindle or an ‘old-fashioned’ paper book.
My dear friend and colleague, Rebecca Tolson Ph.D., writes:
Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happen is an exceptional book that transforms the complex process of learning to read and spell into an engaging and accessible adventure for children. With its colorful illustrations and captivating narrative, this book not only educates, but also entertains young readers.
~Rebecca Tolson, Ph.D. CALT-QI, Ohio
Comments from both current and retired teachers:
Calling All Neurons! How Reading and Spelling Happens is a game-changer in the realm of educational resources. From the very first page of engaging graphics to its insightful breakdown of reading concepts, this book offers a complete and enjoyable exploration of the science behind reading. I am blown away at how easy and accessible Lori made this book to access vital information.
~Heather Campbell, Early Childhood and Special Education Teacher, Ohio
This book provides a wealth of information for teachers, parents, and students. Classroom teachers can connect student struggles to specific challenges.
~Karen Walker, Retired 4th Grade Teacher, Connecticut
WHO?
As I’ve mentioned, this book is appropriate for many stakeholders, most importantly all children ages 8 and up, inclusive of those with and without difficulty learning to read and spell. Many older students want to know how their brains learn to read and spell, particularly if they’ve experienced challenges attaining these skills. Many students who have difficulty find the information motivational and offer these students hope. Other older children may have a younger or even older sibling who struggles to attain literacy–this book explains why the struggle exists/existed. Do you know a student who reads well, but has difficulty with spelling and/or written language? This book will be helpful to this student.
Furthermore, parents, caregivers, and teachers are BUSY! My book is intended to explain the acquisition of both reading and spelling in a fun and digestible manner.
WHERE AND HOW?
My book will be available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or anywhere you like to shop. It will be available in paperback, hard cover, or an electronic version via Amazon.
I will announce the details on my website inclusive of pricing in the coming days and weeks. If you post a comment after reading this blog post, I will personally respond and circle back to you.
WHY?
To my knowledge, several books out there explain how the ‘brain learns to read’ at the very basic level OR at a far more advanced level than children or ‘busy folks’ can undertake.
Younger children may enjoy Denise Eide’s How Your Brain Learns to Read.
Image by Lori Josephson
They may also enjoy Duncan Milne’s How My Brain Learns to Read Children’s Book.
Image by Lori Josephson
While I very much appreciate these books for younger children, I felt the need to reach my target audience.
Children have a right to know how their brains learn to make meaning from dots, circles, lines, etc. on a page of text. Parents and teachers of both struggling and successful readers and spellers also have a right to know how the human brain creates meaning from print and how both struggling and successful spellers/writers learn to translate their thoughts into written words.
My book is based upon the tenets of what is now known as The Science of Reading. If you have listened to Emily Hanford’s wildly popular and award winning podcast Sold a Story, you are familiar with the term Science of Reading. Due in large part to this podcast, many states have sought to institute educational legislation to ensure that students are taught using Structured Literacy methods which are aligned with The Science of Reading. If you haven’t listened to this podcast, tune in–it’s not too late. If you haven’t heard of The Science of Reading, check into The Reading League or the FaceBook Group Science of Reading–What I Should Have Learned in College.
GET EXCITED! I SURE AM!
Hope to hear from you!! Enjoy all the tumult, fun, and ‘busyness’ the end of the school year brings!!
I’m excited to hear when this is published and ready to be purchased!
Sure thing, Vicki!
Excited to read!
And I am excited to have you read!
Lori J.
I’m so interested. We’re keen to write a unit of work that teaches students about the science behind learning
Sarah,
I am keen on that too!! Will keep you in the loop for sure! Thank you!
Lori J.
I would loved to know when it comes out.
Sindy,
Of course! I will keep you in the loop. Thank you!
Lori J.
I’m very excited about this! I think this will help students and parents in special education!
Julie,
I totally agree!! I will keep you posted as to the actual date you can purchase. Thank you so much!
Lori
Sign me up for multiple copies! Your book is eagerly anticipated. I have friends with young children who need this.
Joel,
And we need an army of ambassadors such as yourself to get the word out!! Thank you!
LJ
An endorsement from Dr. Wolfe is an outstanding compliment!
Karen,
You bet it is!! Very exciting!
LJ