Reading Without Nonsense [Paperback]

Frank Smith (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997

In its third edition, this classic remains a helpful, and humanistic antidote to the managed "systems" approach to reading instruction. The theme of Frank Smith's scholarly yet readable classic--that reading must make sense to the learner, and so must reading instruction--has made it one of the most important educational books of the past decade./ Pub: 6/97.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frank Smith has been a professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, the University of Toronto, the University of Victoria, British Columbia, and the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. He holds a Ph.D. from Harvard University. A number of his books and professional articles have become classics among educators. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Teachers College Press; 3rd edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807734721
• ISBN-13: 978-0807734728
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #450,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Strong Ideas Presented Well, January 23, 2001

By 

T. D. "A teacher and reader." (Reno, NV USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Reading Without Nonsense (Paperback)

This book debunks any number of assumptions about reading. The chapter on phonics is a must read for anyone who belives that 'sound it out' makes sense. He looses a star for not citing his sources, which would be helpful. The lack of notations takes some of the authority out of his otherwise passionate defense of sensible reading instruction.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars All Literacy Instruction/Learning Begins Here For Early Childhood Professionals, April 23, 2006

By 

Reginald Williams (Orangeburg, SC United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Reading Without Nonsense (Paperback)

A revolutionary work!

Smith, using the most astoundingly clear language you will see a excruciatingly long time, lays a overwhelming case for a predominately whole-language approach for literacy instruction.

Every single one of these thirteen chapters equals every one of the others. I cannot pick out a superlative section; all sparkle and educate.

I think I have read the "dismantling & rebuilding" of phonics chapter (#4) the most because he amazes me with his ability to analytical render phonics a mess that needs fixing and re-focusing.

I put this book in my essentials library. Please read it. If nothing else, he will give you much food for thought before creating your emergent literacy lessons in your early childhood classroom.

9 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, May 2, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Reading Without Nonsense (Paperback)

This book really helped me to understand more about teaching reading and about the theories behind teaching reading. i would recommend it ot everyone.