Product reviews for The Literacy Toolkit

It is perhaps advantageous that Amanda Saras The Literacy Toolkit has appeared just when the emphasis in education has once again returned to literacy. Supported as it is by a mix of theory and practical advice, this seems a useful addition to a teachers bookshelf. The text opens with its theoretical basis, which sets out a literacy which is not dependent on the written word but acknowledges both oracy and visual literacy, mentioning multimedia texts with a familiarity of which the authors of the new curriculum would approve. There is, however, an emphasis on the secondary classroom which seems apt given the authors background.

Sara is able to talk convincingly about literacy and has the experience of both classroom practice and research to underpin her ideas.

The second section of the book which deals with practical activities to address literacy skills is fun and dominated by a sense of competition. It is important to mention the boy-friendly nature of many of these activities and the use of metaphors which concentrate on different car and fuel types. Each activity is also framed by a quotation from a famous person/thinker which makes reading enjoyable for one such as myself.

The whole school emphasis of the final section of the text is interesting and takes the opportunity to reiterate several key points: one being the connection between being literate and being successful. Sara is able to demonstrate a passion for the subject beyond her own remit of English teacher and make a convincing argument for integrated and far-reaching approaches to raising the profile of literacy and reading within the curriculum. A major strength is the plethora of proformas and tables which are immediately of use for teachers, each activity is clearly explained but allows for the personalisation of tasks in order to suit a specific class or group. This is a useful text which would be a valuable addition to any teachers professional library.