What is it?
A book-based, process-led approach to teaching reading for meaning and depth of understanding. Subscription gives access to fully developed teaching sequences and supporting resources, which are customisable. An interactive planning tool allows colleagues to produce joint planning and save individualised plans using the building blocks from the Take One Book framework.
Take One Book is a four-stage framework for reading based on up-to-date research and tested in schools.
Skills for reading, comprehension, fluency and vocabulary are taught through exciting book-based units which offer engaging reading experiences.
High-quality dialogic teaching underpins and is key to the process.
Stage 1
Hook and Orientation takes account of what readers need to know to access a text.
Stage 2
First Encounters secures literal understanding and provides opportunitiesfor exploration of texts as children develop their understanding.
Stage 3
Digging Deeper focuses on teaching new skills, unlocking the layers of meaning with text and language study.
Stage 4
Review and Reflect includes revisiting a text, thinking about thematic content and text to world discussions.
Plans also include writing and wider-learning opportunities.
Texts are generally short (novels around 160 pages) and sequences typically provide 2-4 weeks of material.
The website provides all you need to teach the sequences including supporting resources devised by Nikki Gamble, co-author of Guiding Reading and author of Exploring Children’s Literature, Take One Book is developed with Just Imagine’s UK partner schools.
For further support, Just Imagine offers training between 1-5 days covering the rationale reading skills and working with Take One Book.
Try it for free. An exemplar unit is available online at takeonebook.org/book/grandma-bird.
Need to Know
- This research-informed four-step process leads to deeper reading, with purposes for lessons articulated.
- Time saving and affordable. Downloadable resources are included with plans and weblinks to supporting material.
- The collection of books is highly curated, by reading expert Nikki Gamble, and includes fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Plus, all materials tested in schools.
“The Take One Book approach has transformed the reading in our school. The children love the books and the teaching sequences challenged and supported the children’s learning. We love it.”
Chloe Williams, Galleywood Infant School
