Reading, How To

Reading, How To is Herbert Kohl’s answer to the phonics versus whole language debate and to other false dichotomies and unhelpful mandates that characterise much of our talk about reading instruction.

Kohl boldly insists that “there is no reading problem. Most people who fail to learn how to read in our society are victims of a fiercely competitive system of training that requires failure.” Kohl believes instead that “anyone who reads with a certain degree of competency can help others who read less well.” With this simple yet radical thought, Kohl lets us know that things don’t have to be as hard as we imagine. The materials for learning, and for helping others learn, are abundant, not scarce.