Building skilled readers: A resource to rethink practice

By Kate Lyon (she/her), teacher-librarian and literacy co-ordinator, Kxeen (Prince Rupert)

Sometimes, applying research means abandoning techniques we’ve come to rely on for years. This is often the hardest part of bringing research to practice: untangling the web of misinformation from our instruction.  – Lindsay Kemeny, author, 7 Mighty Moves

Lindsay Kemeny, author of 7 Mighty Moves, is a mom and practising classroom teacher whose personal and heartbreaking story draws you into her book. Her son struggled with learning at an early age and was later diagnosed with dyslexia and depression. To help her son, Lindsay learned about reading disabilities, and that made her rethink her instructional practices as a teacher. She writes, “With each grade I’ve taught, I have continued to learn, grow, and adjust my practice. I am constantly rethinking and refining. As my teaching improves, so does my students’ learning.”

7 Mighty Moves walks us through the shifts Lindsay made in her teaching practice to ensure her students became skilled readers. These moves highlight the importance of various concepts: phonemic awareness, explicit and systematic phonics instruction, decoding strategies and the use of decodable texts, high-frequency words, fluency, and vocabulary and background knowledge.

Each chapter focuses on one move and provides examples of strategies and activities that the author encourages us to add to our instructional toolbox. Video demonstrations are available for viewing by scanning the many QR codes throughout the book. Not only does Lindsay provide ideas and examples of what to do and how to do it, but she also explains why each move is so important. Backed by decades of evidence-based research, Lindsay weaves her learning journey through these seven moves in a way that is relatable, encouraging, and teacher-friendly. She notes, “Sometimes, applying research means abandoning techniques we’ve come to rely on for years. This is often the hardest part of bringing research to practice: untangling the web of misinformation from our instruction.”

While 7 Mighty Moves may be geared toward primary educators, it’s a great starting point for anyone beginning to explore how foundational skills help children grow into proficient and confident readers and writers. Lindsay’s warm and friendly narrative invites us to reflect on our own teaching experiences and to remain open to learning. She also reminds us to be gentle on ourselves as learners: “Show compassion for yourself and for others. Propel yourself forward for the sake of your current and future students. After all, they count on you to equip them to make a difference in the world.”

Book study

7 Mighty Moves is a great choice for your next professional read or book club! Be sure to check out Dyslexia Canada’s four-part Book Study for British Columbia.