Literacy's Democratic Roots: A Personal Tour Through Eight Big Ideas

by Thomas Newkirk

Take a tour with author Tom Newkirk through eight big ideas in literacy instruction and their embodiment of democratic values. He explores ideas from the founders of the "writing renaissance," 1975-1987, and the impact those ideas have had on teaching and learning. Central to the book is the belief that all students come through the school door with rich histories and interests-and as teachers we need to respect that richness and connect it to school goals. He explains each of the eight ideas, argues for their importance, and draws on his own teaching practice/observations, including interviews from the next generation who have built upon those ideas. He also tells a few stories along the way. This is an engaging book-personal and conversational-that celebrates teaching that can invite all students into the House of Literacy.

Genres: Teaching

232 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2023

About the author

Thomas Newkirk is a teacher and author who worked for 39 years at the University of New Hampshire.

Reviews

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!! - it really reinforced the importance of some of my core educational, theoretical, and philosophical beliefs while also stretching my thinking.

The 8 pivotal ideas include: expressive language, Funds of Knowledge, Transactional Model of reading, the writing process, Translanguaging, story, mutlimodal texts, independent reading.