Making the Journey: Being and Becoming a Teacher of English Language Arts

by Leila Christenbury, Ken Lindblom

Making the Journey is a staple of secondary English methods courses and teacher libraries because it not only provides practical advice on what to do in the classroom and how to act, but also offers a realistic but optimistic sense of what it means to embrace the practice of good teaching. Now, trusted educator, writer, and researcher Leila Christenbury has returned with a remarkable new edition of her classic.

The third edition of Making the Journey will be both refreshingly new and satisfyingly familiar to those who've come to rely on Christenbury's wisdom and uncommon common sense. Every chapter has been revised and updated with new examples, the latest research, and stories from today's classrooms. Even more important, Christenbury has devoted new sections to discussing instructional and political topics crucial to the contemporary teacher, including:


supporting English language learners developing students' ability to write on demand meeting the challenge of high - stakes standardized testing balancing depth of coverage with breadth in standards - based curricular planning creating tests and other assessments that align with curricular goals and provide useful information for subsequent instruction engaging students' reading interests through nontraditional, real - world genres like graphic novels teaching writing and media literacy through digital - age innovations such as blogs and WebQuests navigating the politics of school while remaining an activist professional With the latest, smartest strategies, techniques, and ideas as well as Leila Christenbury's trademark pragmatism and know - how, the third edition of Making the Journey will be an indispensable guide for anyone just starting their own journey into teaching or for anyone already on their way.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Read For School, Academic

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 3, 1994

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I'd recommend for new or relatively new language arts teachers. Christenbury tackles everything from standards to grammar to ethics. One of my favorite quotes: "As exciting as teaching can be, as rewarding as students are, teaching is a high-intensity profession. It is marked by consistent, almost unyielding expectations from a large number of people, students, parents, and administrators alike."

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely the best textbook that I've had to read for class in my teaching program. The information is practical and has expanded my mindset on how to develop engaging lessons and activities. The vignettes from the authors throughout were a great way to break the text up and hear some real stories about being a teacher in the classroom. I'll definitely reread it this summer before I become a first-year teacher. That's less than a year away!

[Samantha]

I marked many of the parts that will be useful when I am working in my own classroom.

[Erika Forth · Rating 5 out of 5]

All new English teachers should read this. Christenbury gives helpful advice, anecdotes, and ideas on simply every aspect of the English Language Arts classroom. It is easy to read and very enjoyable. I am so thankful my English methods professor assigned this book. I have sticky-noted it up and plan on re-reading again when I get my first teaching job!

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my best teacher friends gifted me this book when she heard I would be teaching English 1 this school year. It has been a very thoughtful, meaningful, applicable, practical handbook for me, a book I will turn to again and again. Thanks, Beth! :)

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone interesting in becoming a teacher or just has an interest in the workings of a classroom should read this book. Christenbury speaks in such a natural tone and makes everything crystal clear. I love this book a lot and it definitely gave me more inspiration to teach.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a pre-service teacher, I found this book to be immensely valuable! Very inspiring and illuminating.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must-read for all English teachers.

[Sue]

As an inspiring writer and educator I am looking forward to reading this book.