The National Literacy Strategy is at the heart of the government drive to raise the standards in literacy in schools. Based on a research project conducted in classrooms during the first year of the National Literacy Strategy (NLS), this book provides a practical analysis of the ways in which successful teachers have implemented the Literacy Hour. Taking a reflective approach, it chronicles how teachers have changed their attitudes and practice over the first year, and questions why these changes have occurred. With various descriptions of teachers' practice and examples of children's writing throughout, this is an in-depth, yet down-to-earth reflective analysis of effective literacy teaching. Ros Fisher looks in detail at issues such as; improving the teaching of literacy; researching classroom practice; children's learning in the Literacy Hour; changing practice at Key Stage One and Two and mixed age classes and literacy for four-year-olds.

'Inside the Literacy Houris a very well written book that addresses many important issues. Each chapter includes recommendations for teachers that are thoroughly grounded in rigorous research. The methods of the research are unusually well described and themselves raise some fascinating issues. - Literacy & Learning

'It has a useful role to play in any school's evaluation of the progress of children's reading and writing within the literacy hour. Fisher's obvious support for shared and guided reading and writing is well-articulated and should convince many teachers of its value to their pedagogies.' - The Use of English

'Inside the Literacy Hour is a very well written book that addresses many important issues. Each chapter includes recommendations for teachers that are thoroughly grounded in rigorous research. The methods of the research are unusually well described and themselves raise some fascinating issues.' - Literacy & Learning

'It has a useful role to play in any school's evaluation of the progress of children's reading and writing within the literacy hour. Fisher's obvious support for shared and guided reading and writing is well-articulated and should convince many teachers of its value to their pedagogies.' - The Use of English

'An interesting and accessible book...I would recommend the book to students and to teachers of literacy in primary schools.' - ESCalate

Ros Fisher taught in primary schools before moving to the Rolle School of Education, the University of Plymouth, where she is currently Reader in Literacy Education.