72
Book reviews
Book reviews Dyslexia and Inclusion:
Classroom Approaches for Assessment, Teaching and Learning ( 3rd Edition)
G.Reid
Gavin Reid is a recognised international expert who has written over 30 books in the field of dyslexia and learning. He has sat on government panels and been engaged in United Nations funded projects. Key features of this new edition include updates on research and legislation, additional sections on teaching strategies and developing independent learning, as well as extensive references to additional resources. This is an impressive text that manages to combine the best of academic and practical information for the reader. The style is accessible and guides the reader through the overwhelming maze of information. Chapters include: ‘Five signposts for successful inclusion’, ‘Inclusion and Intervention’ and ‘Curriculum access: Identifying needs’
Reid points out that each individual with dyslexia needs to be taught in ways that are appropriate to them and that there is a ‘fairly superficial and almost stereotypical view of dyslexia’ that can lead to inappropriate teaching approaches. He provides information about factors to take into account and links this to practical suggestions that take into account learning preferences, motivation and the learning environment. In the conclusion to the book, he points out that misconceptions about dyslexia have led to ‘miracle cures’ and ‘new breakthroughs’ that are promoted through vigorous marketing and he calls for teachers to be supported in gaining a full understanding of dyslexia to guide them in devising effective interventions. An excellent text.
Routledge (David Fulton) ISBN: 978-1-138-48749-9 £24.99
Mental Health Education: Building Good Foundations S. Garner
The author is an education consultant and trainer who has also written a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) mental health programme used in schools worldwide. In this book, she sets out to look at what can be done environmentally to support good positive mental health and well-being, and, significantly, to ensure that mental harm is not caused for staff or pupils. For Garner, the terms ‘mental health’ and ‘well-being’ are interchangeable and she maintains that it is the ability ‘to be able to cope with the bad parts of life and enjoy the good parts.’ She explains briefly the core concepts of CBT that can be summarised as a process of changing thoughts and negative cognitive bias. She also provides a working example of CBT interventions to affect behaviour change. Chapters include: ‘Staff mental health and well-being’, ‘Pupil experience’, ‘Positive motivation’ and ‘Behaviour systems’.
SEN108
This is a concise text that focuses on low cost and easy-toimplement strategies for use in the classroom, supported with downloadable activities and planning sheets based on cognitive behavioural therapy techniques. The final chapter is a very useful summary of the ideas in each chapter, presented as a handy checklist. Given the current heightened awareness of mental issues and well-being, this is a timely publication that is based on the author’s extensive training, research and experience in this field. Its style is accessible and she aims to empower individual teachers to ‘make a difference’ whilst also looking after themselves.
A Speechmark Book (Routledge) ISBN: 978-1-138-38632-7 £24.99
senmagazine.co.uk
