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Understanding and Teaching Primary English
Theory Into Practice
Second Edition
- James Clements - Independent English adviser, researcher and writer, UK
- Mathew Tobin - Oxford Brookes University, UK
March 2026 | 352 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Covering all major aspects of primary English, from reading and writing, to grammar, vocabulary and oracy, and following the foundations set in the early years, this book will support you through your teacher training and early career in the classroom while also offering fresh insights for experienced teachers.
Each topic moves from robust theory and the latest research to practical classroom application, offering nuanced teaching guidance grounded in experience.
Hands-on strategies, classroom case studies and opportunities to reflect on your learning combine to support high-quality literacy teaching, and effective planning and assessment.
This second edition has been fully updated to:
- Apply insight from recent policy to teaching, including the DfE’s 2023 Reading Framework and the policy intentions of the 2024 Labour government.
- Offer guidance on teaching children for whom English is an additional language (EAL).
- Expand the discussion of reading for pleasure, utilising recent research on this topic.
Part 1: English in the Early Years
Ch1 Reading in the Early Years: Theory
Ch2 Reading in the Early Years: Practice
Ch3 Writing in the Early Years: Theory
Ch4 Writing in the Early Years: Practice
Part 2: Oracy and Spoken Language
Ch5 Talk, Oracy and Spoken Language: Theory
Ch6 Talk, Oracy and Spoken Language: Practice
Part 3: Reading
Ch7 The Simple View of Reading: Theory
Ch8 The Simple View of Reading: Practice
Ch9 Becoming a Reader: Theory and Practice in Reading for Pleasure
Ch10 Teachers as Readers – Understanding the Importance of Children’s Literature: Theory and Practice
Part 4: Writing
Ch11 The Teaching and Learning of Writing: Theory
Ch12 The Teaching and Learning of Writing: Practice
Ch13 Teaching Grammar and Punctuation in Context: Theory and Practice
Part 5: Vocabulary and Word Knowledge
Ch14 Building Vocabulary and Word Knowledge: Theory and Practice
Part 6: Curriculum, Planning and Assessment
Ch15 Curriculum and Planning in Primary English: Theory
Ch16 Curriculum and Planning in Primary English: Practice
Ch17 Assessment in English: Theory
Ch18 Assessment in English: Practice
