Book LibraryLearning & EducationMortimer Adler - Como Ler Livros_ O Guia Classico Para a Leitura Inteligente
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Mortimer Adler - Como Ler Livros_ O Guia Classico Para a Leitura Inteligente

by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
15.0 minutes

Key Points

Chapter 3: Elementary Reading

This chapter from "How to Read a Book" discusses elementary reading skills and their importance for further intellectual growth. It emphasizes the need to move beyond basic literacy to higher levels of reading proficiency. Want to go beyond just knowing how to decode words? This chapter will show you how!

  • Learn to assess your current reading level.
  • Understand stages of reading development.
  • Get simple tips to improve your overall reading ability.

Core Content

1. Stages of Literacy

  • Readiness: Physical (vision & hearing), intellectual (perception), linguistic (clear speech), and personal readiness.
    • Do: Ensure you have no unaddressed physical or developmental barriers to effective reading.
  • Basic Skills: Start with simple materials, build a vocabulary, and understand context.
    • Do: Practice with high-frequency words and simple texts.
  • Vocabulary Building: Rapidly expand vocabulary and improve contextual understanding.
    • Do: Use new words in sentences to improve retention.
  • Synthesis: Integrate new knowledge and apply it across texts and situations.
    • Do: Try explaining the book you read with your own words.

2. Importance of Recognizing Different Reading Levels

  • Being able to surpass the functional reading skills with the help of analysis and improve reading skills.
  • Functional reading skills include the ability to read billboards, preform paperwork.

3. Elementary Reading for Democracy

  • Promote the benefits of reading to students through higher competence in all levels of reading.
  • Highlight the need to progress beyond elementary reading and ensure students are ready to analyze texts.

Q&A

Q: What is ‘readiness’ when talking about reading?

A: "Readiness" for reading encompasses physical abilities like good vision and hearing, intellectual skills to grasp and remember words, linguistic clarity in speech, and personal skills like attentiveness and social interaction.

Q: How do I move beyond elementary reading?

A: Improving reading skills by focusing on all reading levels and incorporating analytical methods of reading.

Q: What can I do if my child is struggling with reading?

A: Check for readiness, and provide good education and methods of reading and comprehension.

MindMap

Target Audience

The book is aimed at students, educators, and lifelong learners who wish to improve their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and intellectual development. It is particularly useful for those who want to engage more deeply with complex texts and develop a more active and rewarding reading experience. The book's principles can be applied across various disciplines and genres, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to enhance their understanding of the written word.

Author Background

Mortimer J. Adler was a philosopher, educator, and author known for his work on the Great Books program and his advocacy for liberal education. Charles Van Doren was a writer, editor, and academic who gained fame for his involvement in a quiz show scandal and later collaborated with Adler on "How to Read a Book."

Historical Context

Originally published in 1940 and revised in 1972, "How to Read a Book" reflects the changing landscape of education and literacy in the 20th century. It addresses concerns about declining reading skills and the need for more effective reading strategies in an era of increasing information overload. The book also responds to debates about educational methods and the importance of liberal education.

Chapter Summary

Audio

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