Where philosophy meets practice.
Driven by years of experience, Margaret set out to write a book that placed research based pedagogy on literacy within the framework of classical philosophy and Catholic anthropology. This work is a seminal work in education literature right now and changes the way educators and parents can approach reading, reasoning and thought.
A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Learners
Discover effective literacy methods that align with a Christian anthropological view of the human person, as described by St Thomas Aquinas and Aristotle and learn how research-based strategies fit within that framework. Through this work you will learn the most important pieces to building the skills needed for literacy acquisition.
The aim of this book is to provide parents and educators with the foundational understanding of how a person learns to read in order to equip them with the tools needed to effectively implement a full reading curriculum. Included are intervention methods that can be used in conjunction with reading curriculum to improve reading outcomes for students who struggle.
The principles used in this book are research-based intervention methods that are blended with models of human development set out by Aristotle and St Thomas Aquinas. In the Summa Theologiae, St Thomas Aquinas writes about the faculties of the soul, relying on the foundational work of Aristotle in the De Anima. In Aquinas’ description of the powers of the soul, he outlines the way in which man comes to know, through the systematic use of his senses, imagination, memory, cogitative powers and finally his intellect and will. Effective intervention methods, as outlined in this work, align with the process Aquinas outlines. Understanding effective intervention strategies in light of the bigger picture of who man is and what he is made for, elevates learning and puts the development of literacy in a holistic perspective.
What People are Saying
"Margaret Walsh has written a very timely book. The number of children experiencing challenges learning seems to be on the rise. Literacy is of vital importance for basic human flourishing. Students who struggle with the concepts of written language need special help to grow this skill. Literacy is much more than simply brain function. It involves the whole person—the imagination, the memory, and the heart! Margaret draws upon her extensive training and years of teaching to offer strategies that are rooted in our Catholic faith. A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students will guide educators and parents in helping their children attain literacy while engendering a love for truth, goodness, and beauty."
~Bishop James Conley, Diocese of Lincoln, NE
"I am so pleased to have A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students. It is particularly helpful to see Special Services discussed in the context of the De Anima. This book will be a great resource for parents and educators who want to help students who struggle with reading come to love it. I highly recommend it!"
~Laura Berquist, Founder, Mother of Divine Grace School
"A profound and deeply integrated vision of literacy instruction, rooted in the rich intellectual tradition of Catholic philosophy. In A Catholic Approach to Literacy for Struggling Students, Margaret Walsh masterfully bridges timeless principles—from Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas to the Socratic method—with practical, classroom-tested strategies that bring clarity and hope to educators working with struggling learners. This powerful work is a must read for all teachers."
~Dr. Susan Goers, CEO, Education Transformed
"Reading Margaret Walsh’s book is like having a conversation with a good friend. By using accessible language, Walsh combines philosophy with practical implementation strategies, allowing parents and educators to better support struggling readers—and to do so with confidence. Not only does Walsh provide important tools and recommendations, she also explains how and why they work. This is a valuable text for anyone working with struggling readers."
~Dr. Pamela Patnode, author of author of ¿Me Puede Enseñar? A Guide to Educating Hispanic/Latino Students in Catholic High Schools