Summer Reading for Structured Literacy Teachers
Whether you’re a structured literacy teacher with summers off or a practitioner that works year-round, summer represents a shift in rhythms and schedule. My thoughts always turn to summer reading books. I definitely intend to read the summer’s hottest beach read or that gripping new thriller. I also find that the change of seasons inspires me to spend some time on professional reading. I’m particularly ready for inspiration and new learning.
Books to Inform
These six summer reading books for structured literacy teachers are definitely worth adding to your stack of books to read. Looking to grow your Orton-Gillingham expertise this summer? I’m sharing 6 powerful professional development books that every OG teacher should add to their reading list. Whether you’re at the beach, on your porch, or taking a break between tutoring sessions, these titles will inspire and equip you to deepen your knowledge of structured literacy, dyslexia intervention, and evidence-based reading instruction. This list is perfect for: Orton-Gillingham, Structured literacy specialists, Dyslexia interventionists, Educators seeking science of reading-aligned PD
🌟 Grab a notebook and let’s get your summer reading stack ready! (note: the list contains affiliate links)
6 Book Suggestions for Structured Literacy Teachers
Have you ever noticed that ADHD and dyslexia go together like peanut butter and jelly? This book addresses the ways in which ADHD effects reading and addresses instructional and behavioral strategies that can help students. Written for parents, this book is understandable but also complete enough to be a worthwhile read for professionals. This book talks about some of the specific struggles associated with both diagnoses such as memory and executive function.
- Teaching Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Students With Dyslexia by Casey Harrison
Being a technically proficient teacher isn’t enough for children with dyslexia. It is important to address the social-emotional side of dyslexia as well. This book provides a framework to help educators build confidence, scaffold instruction, and cultivate an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Essentials of Dyslexia Assessment and Intervention by Nancy Mather
This is a book that should be at every reading teacher’s right hand as a reference tool. This book provides quick and concise descriptions of a variety of assessments and specific interventions. This is an excellent resource for psychologists, special education teachers, classroom teachers and even parents. Bulleted lists, illustrations and boxes with key points make sure that the most important information sticks with you and is easy to find.
- The Gift & Curse: One Man’s Journey With Dyslexia by Deon L. Butler
The effects of learning disabilities on students both inside and outside the classroom can be profound. This is one man’s story of overcoming adversity and turning his pain into purpose. While football allowed him to get through school, it was when he learned to read at 27 that doors really started opening.
This book helps students address executive function challenges by looking within themselves to find their unique mix of “ingredients” and how they can use those ingredients to deal with areas of challenge. This book is appropriate for students with ADHD, ASD and related conditions. Learning how they learn is empowering for students.
- The Writing Revolution 2.0 by Judith C. Hochman and Natalie Wexler
The Hochman method is not a curriculum, but a method for working with students on writing regardless of grade level, subject area, and ability level. The book guides you through carefully scaffolded activities and strategies that you can apply to any content.
The YouTube video below shows the books from this list!
Free summer reading passages for your students!
Enjoy a free set of decodable passages with a fun summer theme to use in your Orton-Gillingham lessons!
They come in a variety of text formats with fun topics your kids will love!
