Conversations : Strategies for Teaching, Learning, and Evaluating

by Regie Routman

"Talking the process of change and teaching is a necessity for our intellectual and social well-being," says acclaimed author Regie Routman. Now, in this long-awaited volume, Routman continues the discussion she began in the best-selling Invitations and further explores the full universe of an effective language arts and literacy program across the curriculum. Filled with an array of field-tested teaching ideas, detailed strategies, reviews of theory, teacher-crafted lessons, and lists of resources, Conversations is all you need to become an informed, confident professional, sensitive to your students' needs and interests. What's more, it incorporates Routman's perspective on important topical issues such as curricular rigor, direct teaching, specific skills, and daily monitoring. Conversations is grounded in the belief that the connections, interactions, reflections, and new thinking that evolve from rich dialogue define what we know. It was written, in part, to spur teachers to challenge assumptions, clarify their own learning, and take the lead in their own professional development. While this is not a book about a particular methodology, Routman does explore current theory and practice, and supports her views with classroom-based and scientific research. The book is upbeat and practical; each chapter is self-contained and can be read in any order. As Routman shares her own experiences and resourcesthrough narratives, anecdotes, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of students' workwe may find ourselves questioning, modifying, validating, or changing our own practices. Most of all, we will find ourselves talking . And here is where the conversation begins. Text 656pp The Blue Resources for 240pp

Genres: Education, Teaching

896 pages, Paperback

First published October 15, 1999

Reviews

[Mallory · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reading resource books I have had the opportunity to read thus far in my professional career. Rife with resources that apply directly to the classroom, the publishing date (2001) does little to impact the importance and relevance of the methods that Routman suggests. Additionally, the somewhat conversational tone of the writing makes reading enjoyable as you discover the abundance of examples used to illustrate her points and methods. This text is certainly one that will remain in my professional education library and be utilized often this school year.

[Petter Nordal · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great resource for questions about reading instruction. Unfortunately, it led me to conclude that reading instruction in a second language is drastically different than in first langue, since reading scaffolds acquisition instead of the reverse.

[abbylee Oqueli · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this for a curriculum development class I had to take for my Master's Program and really enjoyed it. I took some really good ideas from it and used them with my classes this year and the students really ran with them.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first Regie book I read in college.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for future teachers